Method And Apparatus For Facilitating Usage Of A Supplemental Ticket At A Gaming Device

ABSTRACT

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method may provide for receiving a first indicia associated with play of a gaming device, receiving a second indicia associated with play of the gaming device, and modifying, based upon the receipt of both the first and second indicia, a parameter of play of the gaming device. The parameter is only modified if both the first indicia and the second indicia are received. For example, upon receiving both a cash-out ticket and a supplemental ticket, a gaming device may activate a feature or increase a credit balance by more than the face value of the cash-out ticket.

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/560,312, filed Apr. 07, 2004 and entitledAPPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY CASHLESS GAMING. Theentirety of this application is incorported by reference herein for allpurpose S.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate some embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of some embodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example system, in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of another example system, in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming device, in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controller, in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 is an example tabular representation of an outstanding cash-outtickets database, in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 5 is an example tabular representation of a supplemental ticketoutput rules database, in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIGS. 6A and 6B together are an example tabular representation of asupplemental ticket type database, in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 is an example tabular representation of an outstandingsupplemental tickets database, in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example process, in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example prior art cash-out ticket thatmay be output and/or received by a gaming device; and

FIG. 10 is an illustration of various exemplary supplemental ticketsthat may be output and/or received by a gaming device, in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are various methods and systems for facilitatingmodification of a value of a parameter associated with play of a gamingdevice. For example, in accordance with some embodiments a supplementalticket may be inserted into a gaming device along with a cash-out ticketin order to modify a value associated with the cash-out ticket. In amore specific example, a number of credits associated with a creditmeter balance may be modified to a second and greater number of creditsfrom a first and smaller number of credits that would have been added tothe credit meter balance based on the cash-out ticket alone. In anotherexample, a feature of the gaming device may be activated based on thereceipt of both the cash-out ticket and the supplemental ticket, whereinthe feature would not have been activated based on the receipt of thecash-out ticket alone. As a preliminary matter, various terms andconcepts used herein are described.

Numerous embodiments are described in this patent application, and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presentlydisclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, asis readily apparent from the disclosure. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with variousmodifications and alterations. Although particular features of thedisclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or moreparticular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood thatsuch features are not limited to usage in the one or more particularembodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thispatent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of thispatent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scopeof the disclosed invention(s).

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “one embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but notall) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items (which may or may not be numbered) doesnot imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, the enumerated listing of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that the items arecomprehensive of any category, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The terms “plurality” mean “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with eachother may communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith each other does not imply that all such components are required. Onthe contrary a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention(s).

Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the likemay be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods andalgorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In otherwords, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

Each process/method includes one or more steps, and therefore areference to a “step” of a method has an inherent antecedent basis.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmedgeneral purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor(e.g., a microprocessor) will receive instructions from a memory or likedevice, and execute those instructions, thereby performing a processdefined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement suchmethods and-algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety ofknown media in a number of well-known manners. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or incombination with, software instructions for implementation of theprocesses of the present invention. Thus, embodiments are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device/article (whether or not theycooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly,where more than one device or article is described herein (whether ornot they cooperate), it-will be readily apparent that a singledevice/article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle.

The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternativelyembodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly describedas having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need notinclude the device itself.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) which may beread by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may takemany forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatilemedia, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile mediainclude dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutesthe main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wireand fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupledto the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acousticwaves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as thosegenerated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) datacommunications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, forexample, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, anyother magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punchcards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, aRAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip orcartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carryingsequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences ofinstruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may becarried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may beformatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such asBluetooth, TDMA, CDMA, 3G. In another example, instructions mayinitially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remotecomputer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send theinstructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local toanother device to which the instructions are being sent can receive thedata on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convertthe data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector can receive thedata carried in the infrared signal and place the data on a system busfor a processor of the device receiving the data. The system bus carriesthe data to main memory, from which the processor retrieves and executesthe instructions. The instructions received by main memory mayoptionally be stored in a memory either before or after execution by theprocessor. In addition, instructions may be received via a communicationport as electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, which areexemplary forms of carrier waves that carry date streams representingvarious types of information. Thus, a device may obtain instructions inthe form of a carrier wave.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed.

The terms “cash out” and “cashout” are used interchangeable herein andmay refer to a process by which a player of a gaming device is providedwith payment. Such payment is typically provided by the gaming device,e.g., in the form of coins, tokens, transfer of funds to an accountassociated with a player or a cashless gaming ticket.

The terms “controller”, “central controller”, “slot server”, “computerserver”, “computer server device” and “server device” are usedinterchangeable herein and may refer, unless specified otherwise, to oneor more electronic devices (e.g., a computer, two distinct servers) thatare operable to communicate with one or more gaming devices. Acontroller may manage, direct or otherwise affect the gaming devices,such as by providing a random number to a gaming device, by receivingand/or providing data associated with a player, and/or receiving and/orproviding data associated with game play of the gaming device. Acontroller may also contain or otherwise be configured to read data fromand/or write data to one or more (local or remote) databases regarding,among other things, data associated with (i) a cash-out ticket, (i) asupplemental ticket, (ii) a player, (iii) a payout, (iv) a probabilityof obtaining an outcome, etc.

The terms “credit balance”, as used herein unless specified otherwise,may refer to an indication of an amount of currency (or other value)that is due to a player and/or that is available for wagering (e.g., awager may be drawn from a credit balance). In some embodiments, abalance may be associated with a gaming device being operated by aplayer. Such an indication may be output via a gaming device display,such as an LED “credit meter.” In some embodiments, a player wishing tocash out is provided with payment (e.g., a cashless gaming ticket) equalto his credit balance, or otherwise based on his credit balance (e.g.,the integer amount of a credit balance, such as $5.00 for a balance of$5.50). In another embodiment, a credit balance may be stored on a smartcard and/or a casino server (e.g., and available for transfer to agaming device).

The term “game”, as used herein unless specified otherwise, may refer toa wagering activity whereby a player posts consideration, usuallymonetary in form, in exchange for a chance at winning a payout (which istypically a monetary payout). The definition is intended to includebasic games and bonus games. The definition is further intended toinclude both primary games and secondary games.

The terms “game device”, “gaming device”, “game machine”, “gamingmachine” are used interchangeable herein and may refer, unless specifiedotherwise, to any electrical, electromechanical and/or mechanical devicethat (in a manner well known in the art) accepts wagers, determines anoutcome and determines winnings (if any) based on the outcome. Theoutcome may be randomly generated (as with a slot machine); may begenerated through a combination of randomness and player skill (as withvideo poker); or may be generated entirely through player skill. Gamingdevices may include slot machines (both video and mechanical reel slotmachines), video poker machines, video blackjack machines, videoroulette machines, video keno machines, video bingo machines, pachinkomachines, video lottery terminals, handheld gaming devices, vendingmachines and the like.

The term “game play” may refer, unless specified otherwise, to a singleplay of a game at a gaming device that generates a singular,corresponding outcome (e.g., a player pulls the handle of a slot machineand the reels resolve to “Bar-Bar-Bar”). In one embodiment, a playerwagers a number of credits in accordance with each game play. In someembodiments, one or more game plays may be associated with a particularcashless gaming receipt. For example, (i) the wagered credits of a gameplay may be derived from a balance credits generated by an insertedreceipt, or (ii) a game play may occur during a session initiated by areceipt.

The terms “game session”, “gaming session”, “session” and “play session”are used interchangeably and may refer, unless specified otherwise, to agambling event with a beginning and end that may encompass a number ofgame plays. The end of the session may be determined voluntarily (inwhich the player elects to stop play) or involuntarily (in which thegaming device terminates play). In some embodiments, a game session maybe associated with a particular cashless gaming receipt and/or aparticular supplemental ticket. For example, an associated session maybegin when a player inserts a particular cashless gaming receipt, andend when the player cashes out. In another example, a benefit associatedwith a supplemental ticket provided to a player at the end of a playsession may be determined based on a player's gambling activity duringthe play session.

The term “indicium associated with play of a gaming device” may refer,unless expressly specified otherwise, to one or more indicia that may beinput to a gaming device in order to instruct the gaming device toperform a function. The indicia may be in tangible form, such as aplastic card having a player tracking identifier stored thereon, a smartcard or a paper cashless gaming receipt. The indicium may also beintangible in form, such as a code that may be typed into a keypad ortouchscreen of a gaming device. For example, an indicium comprising acash-out ticket may be input to a ticket reader component of a gamingdevice in order to instruct the gaming device to perform functions suchas (i) confirming the validity of the ticket (e.g., based on anidentifier printed on the ticket), (ii) determining a value associatedwith the ticket, and/or (iii) setting a credit meter balance of thegaming device to reflect an amount of credits, the amount being based onthe value of the ticket. Examples of indicia associated with play of agaming device include, but are not limited to, a primary wageringinstrument, a supplemental wagering instrument, a primary cash-outticket and a supplemental cash-out ticket (each of which is described indetail below).

The term “parameter” may refer, unless specified otherwise, to anattribute associated with a gaming device, cash-out ticket, game play,play session or period of time. A parameter may have a range ofavailable values associated therewith, a particular one of the valuesfrom the range of values being selected in response to one or moreevents. In one embodiment, an event that may cause a selection of avalue from the range of values my be the receipt of at least two tickets(e.g., a cash-out ticket and a supplemental cash-out ticket). Thefollowing are exemplary categories of parameters that may be altered inaccordance with embodiments described herein.

One category of parameters is parameters associated with a balance ofcredits usable for wagering at a gaming device (referred to as balanceparameters herein). For example, an initial credit balance generatedfrom the insertion of a cash-out ticket into a gaming device may bereferred to as a balance parameter of the gaming device at which thebalance is established, a balance parameter of a cash-out ticket thatmay be used to establish the credit balance, and/or a balance parameterassociated with the player who establishes the credit balance. A balanceof credits may, in one or more embodiments, comprise a balance of gamesymbols, balance of outcomes and/or balance of game plays.

Another category of parameters is parameters associated with a resourcethat may be available or made available to a player (referred to asresource parameters herein). For example, a gaming device may haveavailable or be able to access or activate a feature, character, bonus,or other resource during game play. For example, a number of “outcomealteration resources” may be made available to a player (e.g., a“Guardian Angel” character that changes non-winning outcomes intowinning outcomes). For example, a value of a resource parameter may be“1” if the resource is available to the player or activated on behalf ofthe player and “0” otherwise.

Another category of parameters is parameters associated with an amountof money lost by a player (referred to as loss parameters herein). Forexample, a loss parameter may define a number of wagered credits lost bya player as the result of one or more game plays. In one embodiment, abenefit comprising an instruction to alter a loss parameter may comprisean instruction to modify a number of credits lost by a player. Such amodification may be executed, for example, by returning some of the lostcredits to the player. For example, assume a benefit defined by asupplemental ticket includes an instruction to reduce by 50% the numberof credits lost by a player during a play session. Execution of theinstruction may comprise, for example, (i) determining an end of theplay session, (ii) determining the number of credits lost by the playerduring the play session, and (iii) providing to the player 50% of thelost credits (e.g., in the form of a cash-out receipt with a face valueequal to the 50% of the lost credits).

Yet another category of parameters is parameters associated with one ormore payouts (referred to as payout parameters herein). A payoutparameter may comprise, for example, one or more payouts associated withone or more outcomes that may be obtained via a gaming device.Alteration of the payout parameter may comprise, for example, modifyingone or more of the payouts. For example, modifying a payout parametermay comprise accessing or downloading a different payout table thanwould otherwise be accessed or used, altering one or more payouts of apayout table, adding an amount to a payout obtained using a payouttable, etc.

Still another category of parameters is parameters associated with aprobability of obtaining one or more outcomes via a gaming device(referred to as probability payouts herein). Altering a probabilityparameter may comprise, for example, accessing or downloading adifferent probability table than would otherwise be accessed or used todetermine an outcome. Altering a probability parameter may also comprisealtering a probability of obtaining at least one outcome using aparticular probability table (e.g., by adjusting the ranges of randomnumbers in the probability table and/or adjusting the number of symbolson a reel of a slot machine).

The term “primary wagering instrument” may refer, unless expresslyspecified otherwise, to an instrument associated with an amount ofcurrency that may be available or that may be made available forwagering, wherein the amount of currency is recognizable by a devicesuch as a gaming device upon the primary wagering instrument being inputinto the device. Examples of a primary wagering instrument include, butare not limited to, a cash-out ticket, a player tracking card or otheraccount identifier (e.g., a credit or debit card), a smart card, acasino token, and currency in the form of coins and bills.

The term “supplemental wagering instrument” may refer, unless expresslyspecified otherwise, to an instrument associated with an instruction to(i) modify the amount of currency associated with a primary wageringinstrument and/or (ii) make an amount of currency available forwagering, the amount of currency to be made available being based on atleast one other wagering instrument along with which the supplementalwagering instrument is redeemed. One example of a supplemental wageringinstrument is a supplemental ticket, which is defined below. Such asupplemental ticket may have printed or otherwise stored thereon, forexample, an indication of an instruction to double, up to a $10 value,an amount of credits associated with a supplemental wagering instrument(e.g., a cash-out ticket) along with which the supplemental ticket isredeemed.

The terms “primary cash-out ticket”, “cash-out ticket”, “primarycashless gaming ticket”, “cashless gaming ticket”, “primary ticket”,“primary cashless gaming receipt” and “cashless gaming receipt” are usedinterchangeably herein and may refer, unless specified otherwise, to asubstrate (e.g., a small piece of paper) that may be output and/orreceived by a device such as a gaming device (e.g., via a“ticket-in/ticket-out” slot of a gaming device or its peripheral) andthat is redeemable for cash or another benefit and/or may be used forwagering purposes. A cash-out ticket may be issued by a game or gamingdevice, or as a result of a communication from a game or gaming deviceto associated equipment. A cash-out ticket may be associated with avalue that is based on a credit meter balance of a gaming device at thetime a player requests to cash out the balance and is issued thecash-out ticket. A cash-out ticket may comprise (i) machine-readableindicia (e.g., a bar code) or other machine-readable substance (e.g.,magnetically encoded material) and/or (ii) an identifier (e.g., a uniqueseries of numeric digits or alphanumeric characters). In one or moreembodiments, machine-readable indicia may indicate an identifier (e.g.,a printed barcode encodes a ticket identifier). In one embodiment, adatabase stored at a central location (e.g., a server operable tocommunicate with one or more gaming device, one or more casino attendantterminals and/or other devices) may store records of issued cash-outtickets, each record correlating an identifier of a cash-out ticket to avalue. A cash-out ticket may entitle its bearer (or a specified person)to an amount of credits or currency equal to an indicated face value orto an amount based on an indicated face value.

The terms “supplemental ticket” and “bonus ticket” are usedinterchangeably herein and may refer, unless specified otherwise, to asubstrate that may be output and/or received by a device such as agaming device (e.g., via a “ticket-in/ticket-out” slot of a gamingdevice or a peripheral device associated therewith) and that isassociated with a benefit to be provided upon the supplemental ticketbeing redeemed along with at least one other ticket and in accordancewith any other redemption conditions that may be associated with thesupplemental ticket. The other ticket may comprise, for example, anothersupplemental ticket or a cash-out ticket. Being redeemed “along with”another ticket means being redeemed in accompaniment or association withthe other ticket. For example, a supplemental ticket being redeemedalong with at least one other ticket may mean that the supplementalticket is inserted into a gaming device shortly before or shortly afterthe other ticket is inserted. In another example, a supplemental ticketbeing redeemed along with at least one other ticket may mean that thesupplemental ticket is inserted into a gaming device during the sameplay session as the other ticket. In yet another example, a supplementalticket being redeemed along with at least one other ticket may mean thata player indicates an association or desire to associate thesupplemental ticket with the other ticket, at the time of redemption ofthe tickets. In a specific illustration of the former example, a player,upon inserting a cash-out ticket into a gaming device, may be promptedto insert a supplemental ticket if desired and the player may insert aparticular supplemental ticket in response to the prompt, therebyindicating a desire to associate the supplemental ticket with thecash-out ticket.

A supplemental ticket may be issued by a game or gaming device, or as aresult of a communication from a game or gaming device to associatedequipment. A supplemental ticket may also be issued by a deviceunassociated with any particular gaming device (e.g., a stack ofsupplemental tickets may be printed via a computing device and mailed,included in compilations of supplemental tickets or handed out to casinoplayers). A supplemental ticket may be provided to a playersubstantially at the time it is issued (e.g., a gaming device may printand output a supplemental ticket upon a player cashing out a creditmeter balance). In another embodiment, a supplemental ticket may beprovided to a player a significant time after it is printed (e.g., abatch of supplemental tickets may be printed at a first location,transported to a second location such as a casino, and provided toplayers days or even months after being printed). In one embodiment, asupplemental ticket is issued to a specific player and may even beassociated with a particular player identifier (e.g., a playeridentifier may be printed on the supplemental ticket and/or a playeridentifier may be associated in a record of a database with anidentifier identifying the supplemental ticket). In another embodiment,a supplemental ticket may not be issued to a specific player and/or maynot be associated with a specific player (e.g., a particularsupplemental ticket may be printed and output to a particular player butmay be a bearer instrument in the sense that another player maysubsequently obtain and redeem the supplemental ticket in accordancewith any redemption conditions associated with the supplemental ticket).

In one embodiment, the benefit associated with a supplemental ticket isan alteration of a value of a parameter (e.g., a parameter of anotherticket, a parameter of a gaming device, etc.). For example, asupplemental ticket may indicate: “Insert along with any cashless gamingreceipt valued between $25 and $100 to receive five bonus spins.” Suchan indication may be in machine and/or human-readable format, such thatit may be read by (i) the bearer of the supplemental ticket (e.g., asper text printed on the supplemental ticket), and/or (ii) a gamingdevice into which the supplemental ticket has been inserted (e.g., asper machine-readable indicia ). Thus, in some embodiments, asupplemental ticket may be said to have no intrinsic value—its value mayonly be realized when used in combination with a receipt.

In some embodiments, as will be described below, the benefit and/orvalue of the benefit associated with a supplemental ticket may be basedon a value or other parameter of the other ticket along with which thesupplemental ticket is redeemed (e.g., the supplemental ticket maydefine a benefit of a 10% increase in the value of a cash-out ticketalong with which it is redeemed).

Regarding player tracking cards and player tracking Systems, mostcasinos issue plastic cards (typically resembling frequent shoppercards) to players as a way of identifying the player at a slot machineor table game. As is well known in the art, such cards typically haveencoded thereon (e.g., in machine-readable and/or human readable form) aplayer identifier (e.g., a six digit number) which uniquely identifiesthe player (e.g., because the number is associated with a record in aplayer database that includes corresponding player information). At aslot machine or other device, the player inserts the card into acorresponding reader device and the player identifier is read (e.g.,magnetically or optically) from the card. From the player identifierwhich the reader device reads, the corresponding player information mayin turn be determined (e.g., read from the database, typically via anetwork connection between the reader device and a device hosting thedatabase).

Applicants have recognized that technologies have recently beendeveloped that allow gaming devices to receive and provide payment viacashless gaming receipts. Cashless gaming has resulted in conveniencefor casino patrons, as they are no longer required to fumble with coinsand tokens and no longer have to wait for casino attendants to providechange or refill hoppers.

Applicants have further recognized, however, that an ongoing need existsfor methods that encourage prolonged and repeated plays of casino games,including methods that encourage players to redeem such cashless gainingreceipts for credits at a gaming device, rather than take them to aredemption kiosk or slot cage and redeem them for cash, without furtherplay of gaming devices.

Accordingly, Applicants disclose herein various methods and systems thatencourage a bearer of a cash-out ticket (or, in some embodiments, aspecific player associated with the cash-out ticket) to reinsert thecash-out ticket into a gaming device to fund further game play, ratherthan redeeming the cash-out ticket for cash.

In accordance with one embodiment, a supplemental ticket is output to aplayer, the supplemental ticket causing, when it is redeemed along witha primary cash-out ticket, a modification of a parameter. The parametermay comprise, for example, one or more of the following: (i) a parameterof the primary cash-out ticket (e.g., the value of the cash-out ticketand/or an expiration date of the cash-out ticket), (ii) a parameter of agaming device (e.g., a payout table, a probability table, a variable inan algorithm used by the gaming device, an availability of a feature)and/or a parameter associated with a player (e.g., a rate at which theplayer earns comp points during game play). Modification of a parametermay, in some embodiments, comprise modification of a value associatedwith the parameter. Further, modification of a parameter includesalteration of the parameter, alteration of a feature associated with theparameter, activation of a feature associated with the parameter, and/ordownloading, accessing and/or rendering available a feature, value orcharacteristic associated with the parameter

In some embodiments, a player of a gaming device may insert (i) asupplemental ticket and (ii) a cashless gaming receipt. A parameter maybe modified based on the receipt of both the supplemental ticket and thecashless gaming receipt. The parameter may be modified, for example, bythe gaming device into which the supplemental ticket and the cashlessgaming receipt were input or by another device, such as a controlleroperable to communicate with the gaming device. For example, if acashless gaming receipt entitles a player to twenty (20) credits at agaming device, the player may receive a balance of twenty-two (22)credits for inserting both the cashless gaming receipt and asupplemental ticket (e.g., “Insert this Supplemental Ticket along withany Cash-Out Ticket to get two extra credits!”). In this manner, playersmay be motivated to redeem cashless gaming receipts for credits at agaming device, rather than redeem them for currency.

In accordance with one embodiment, a method may provide for receiving afirst indicia associated with play of a gaming device, receiving asecond indicia associated with play of the gaming device, and modifying,based upon the receipt of both the first and second indicia, a parameterof play of the gaming device, wherein the parameter is only modified ifboth the first indicia and the second indicia are received.

In one embodiment, the first indicia is associated with a first value,the second indicia is associated with a second value, and the modifiedparameter is associated with a third value, the third value beinggreater than the sum of the first value and the second value. Forexample, assuming the first indicia comprises a first code that isassociated with fifteen (15) credits and the second indicia comprises asecond code that is associated with five (5) credits, modification of aparameter that is a balance parameter may comprise establishing a creditbalance of twenty-two (22) credits at a gaming device upon receivingboth the first code and the second code, rather than a credit balance ofonly the twenty (20) credits that is the sum of values of the twoindicia.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for receiving,via a first component associated with a gaming device, a primarywagering instrument and determining a validity and value of the primarywagering instrument. The method further provides for receiving, via asecond component associated with the gaming device, a supplementalwagering instrument, the supplemental wagering instrument indicating aninstruction for modifying a value of the primary wagering instrument.The method further provides for determining a modified value of theprimary wagering instrument based on the instruction and setting acredit meter balance of the gaming device to an amount based on themodified value. It should be noted that the first component may be thesecond component.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for receiving, ata first gaming device, a request to cash out a credit meter balance ofthe gaming device and outputting, in response to the request, a primarywagering instrument having a value based on a current value of thecredit meter balance. The method further provides for outputting, at thegaming device, a supplemental wagering instrument, the supplementalwagering instrument including an instruction for modifying a parameterof at least one of a second gaming device and the primary wageringinstrument, wherein the supplemental wagering instrument is redeemableonly along with the primary wagering instrument.

In accordance with one embodiment, a system comprises a controlleroperable to communicate with a plurality of devices, at least one of theplurality of devices comprising a gaming device; and the plurality ofdevices. At least one of the plurality of devices is operable to outputa supplemental ticket, the supplemental ticket defining a benefit to beprovided upon the redemption of the ticket along with at least one otherticket, wherein the benefit comprises a modification of a parameterassociated with at least one of the gaming device, the supplementalticket and a player.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, illustrated therein is a block diagram of anexample system 100A that may be utilized to implement some embodimentsof the present invention. The system 100A includes a computer 110A(e.g., a slot server of a casino, a controller of a plurality of gamingdevices) that is operable to communicate, via a communications network120A, with one or more gaming devices 130A (e.g., slot machines, videopoker machines). The computer 110A may communicate with the devices 130Adirectly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium such as theInternet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any appropriatecommunications means or combination of communications means. Each of thedevices 130A may comprise computers, such as those based on the Intel®Pentium® processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer110A. Any number and type of devices 130A may be in communication withthe computer 110A.

Communication between the devices 130A and the computer 110A, and amongthe devices 130A, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internetthrough a Web site maintained by computer 110A on a remote server orover an on-line data network including commercial on-line serviceproviders, bulletin board systems and the like. In yet otherembodiments, the devices 130A may communicate with one another and/orcomputer 110A over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may comprise thenetwork 120A or be otherwise part of the system 100A include: a localarea network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telephoneline, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, anda satellite communications link. A variety of communications protocolsmay be part of the system, including but not limited to: Ethernet (orIEEE 802.3), SAP, SAS™, ATP, Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP. Further, in someembodiments, various communications protocols endorsed by the GamingStandards Association of Fremont, Calif., may be utilized, such as (i)the Gaming Device Standard (GDS), which may facilitate communicationbetween a gaming device and various component devices and/or peripheraldevices (e.g., printers, bill acceptors, etc.); (ii) the Best of Breed(BOB) standard, which may facilitate communication between a gamingdevice and various servers related to play of one or more gaming devices(e.g., servers that assist in providing accounting, player tracking,ticket-in/ticket-out and progressive jackpot functionality); and/or(iii) the System-to-System (S2S) standard, which may facilitatecommunication between game-related servers and/or casino propertymanagement servers (e.g., a hotel server comprising one or moredatabases that store information about booking and reservations).

Communication among devices may be encrypted to ensure privacy andprevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

In an embodiment, the computer 110A may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device 130A and/or agaming device 130A in communication only with one or more other gamingdevices 130A. In such an embodiment, any functions described asperformed by the computer 110A or data described as stored on thecomputer 110A may instead be performed by or stored on one or moregaming devices 130A.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a block diagram of another system 100Baccording to at least one embodiment described herein includes acomputer 110B (e.g., a slot server of a casino, a controller of aplurality of gaming devices) that is in communication, via acommunications network 120B, with one or more gaming devices 130B (e.g.,slot machines, video poker machines). A difference between system 100A(FIG. 1A) and system 100B (FIG. 1B) is that in system 100B at least onegaming device 130B is also in communication with one or more peripheraldevices 140B. A peripheral device 140B may, in turn, be in communicationwith a peripheral device server 145B and, in some embodiments, withcomputer 110B. In one or more embodiments the peripheral device server145B may be in communication with one or more gaming devices 130B and/orcomputer 110B.

The computer 110B may communicate with the devices 130B and/or devices140B directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium such as theInternet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any appropriatecommunications means or combination of communications means. Forexample, the computer 110B may communicate directly with one of thegaming devices 130B (e.g., via a LAN) and indirectly (e.g., via a gamingdevice 130B) with a peripheral device 140B. In another example, thecomputer 110B may communicate with one of the gaming devices 130B via aLAN and with another of the gaming devices 130B via the Internet (e.g.,if the particular gaming device comprises a personal computer incommunication with an online casino).

Each of the devices 130B and the devices 140B may comprise computers,such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® processor, that are adaptedto communicate with the computer 110B. Further, each of the devices 130Bmay comprise a gaming device such as a mechanical or electronic slotmachine, a video poker machine, a video blackjack machine, a video kenomachine, a pachinko machine, a video roulette machine, and/or a lotteryterminal. Further yet, each of the devices 140B may comprise an externalor internal module associated with one or more of the gaming devices130B that is capable of communicating with one or more of the gamingdevices 130B and of directing the one or more gaming devices 130B toperform one or more functions.

Any number and type of devices 130B may be in communication with thecomputer 110B. Any number and type of peripheral devices 140B may be incommunication with a gaming device 130B, peripheral device server 145Band/or computer 110B.

Communication between the devices 130B and the computer 110B, betweenthe devices 130B and devices 140B, between peripheral device server 145Band the devices 140B and/or the devices 130B, between the peripheraldevice server 145B and computer 110B, among the devices 130B, and amongthe devices 140B may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internetthrough a Web site maintained by computer 110B on a remote server orover an on-line data network including commercial on-line serviceproviders, bulletin board systems and the like. In yet otherembodiments, any and all of the devices of system 150B (i.e., thedevices 130B, the devices 140B, the computer 110B, and the peripheraldevice server 145B) may communicate with one another over RF, cable TV,satellite links and the like.

Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may comprisenetwork 120B or otherwise be part of system 100B include: a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telephoneline, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, anda satellite communications link. A variety of communications protocolsmay be part of the system, including but not limited to: Ethernet (orIEEE 802.3), SAP, SAS™, ATP, Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP. Further, in someembodiments, various communications protocols endorsed by the GamingStandards Association of Fremont, Calif., may be utilized, such as (i)the Gaming Device Standard (GDS), which may facilitate communicationbetween a gaming device and various component devices and/or peripheraldevices (e.g., printers, bill acceptors, etc.); (ii) the Best of Breed(BOB) standard, which may facilitate communication between a gamingdevice and various servers related to play of one or more gaming devices(e.g., servers that assist in providing accounting, player tracking,ticket-in/ticket-out and progressive jackpot functionality); and/or(iii) the System-to-System (S2S) standard, which may facilitatecommunication between game-related servers and/or casino propertymanagement servers (e.g., a hotel server comprising one or moredatabases that store information about booking and reservations).

In an embodiment, the computer 110B may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device 130B, one ormore gaming devices in communication with one or more peripheral devices140B, one or more gaming devices in communication with peripheral deviceserver 145B, one or more peripheral devices 140B in communication withperipheral device server 145B, and/or a gaming device 130B incommunication only with one or more other gaming devices 130B. In suchan embodiment, any functions described as performed by the computer 110Bor data described as stored in a memory of the computer 110B may insteadbe performed by or stored on one or more gaming devices 130B, one ormore peripheral devices 140B, and/or peripheral device server 145B.

Similarly, peripheral device server 145B may not be desired and/orneeded in some embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments thatdo not involve peripheral device server 145B, any or all of thefunctions described herein as being performed by peripheral deviceserver 145B may instead be performed by computer 110B, one or moregaming devices 130B, one or more peripheral devices 140B, or acombination thereof. Similarly, in embodiments that do not involveperipheral device server 145B any data described herein as being storedin a memory of peripheral device server 145B may instead be stored in amemory of computer 110B, one or more gaming devices 130B, one or moreperipheral devices 140B, or a combination thereof.

Any or all of the gaming devices 130B may, respectively,.include or bein communication with a peripheral device 140B. A peripheral device 140Bmay be a device that receives information from (and/or transmitsinformation to) one or more gaming devices 130B and/or a processor ofone or more gaming devices 130B. For example, a peripheral device 140Bmay be operable to receive information about games being played on agaming device 130B, such as the initiation of a game and/or a randomnumber that has been generated for a game.

In one embodiment, a peripheral device 140B is associated or includes aprocessor that is distinct from a processor of a gaming device 130B withwhich the peripheral device 140B is associated.

In one or more embodiments, one or more such peripheral devices 140B maybe in communication with a peripheral device server 145B. This allowsthe peripheral device server 145B to receive information regarding aplurality of games being played on a plurality of gaming devices 130B.The peripheral device server 145B, in turn, may be in communication withthe computer 110B. It should be understood that any functions describedherein as performed by a peripheral device 140B may also or instead beperformed by the peripheral device server 145B. Similarly, any datadescribed herein as being stored on or accessed by a peripheral device140B may also or instead be stored on or accessed by the peripheraldevice server 145B.

A peripheral device 140B may be operable to access a database (e.g., ofperipheral device server 145B) to provide benefits (e.g., cashlessgaming receipts) based on, for example, an actual outcome of a game. Aperipheral device 140B may also be operable to access a database (e.g.,a character database, as described in more detail below) to determinewhich animated character to use when outputting an apparent and/oractual outcome of a game on a gaming device.

The peripheral device server 145B may also be operable to monitor playergambling history over time by associating gambling behavior with playeridentifiers, such as player tracking card numbers. For example, inembodiments wherein a player selects which character is to be displayed,the peripheral device server 145B may track which character the playerpreviously selects and subsequently use that information to presentother offers to the player and/or to output other outcomes to theplayer. Further, information about the player obtained or accessed byperipheral device server 145B may be analyzed, e.g., to identify thoseplayers that a particular gaming machine owner, operator, ormanufacturer finds most desirable. Based upon desired objectives, theperipheral device server 145B may direct the appropriate peripheraldevice 140B to issue customized messages to specific players that arerelevant to their gambling behaviors.

Information received by a peripheral device 140B from a gaming device130B may include gambling data such as number of games initiated perunit of time, outcomes displayed for games initiated, payoutscorresponding to outcomes displayed, a credit meter balance of thegaming device, and/or data associated with the player currently playingthe gaming device 130B.

The functions described herein as being performed by a peripheral deviceserver 145B and/or a peripheral device 140B may, in one or moreembodiments, be performed by the computer 110B (in lieu of or inconjunction with being performed by a peripheral device server 145Band/or a peripheral device 140B). Such functions may be performed bycomputer 110B in either system 100A (FIG. 1A) or system 100B (FIG. 1B).

In one or more embodiments, a peripheral device 140B may be useful forimplementing the embodiments of the present invention into the operationof a conventional gaming device. For example, an external or internalmodule that comprises a peripheral device 140B may be inserted in,attached to or otherwise associated with a gaming device 130B in orderto receive data associated with a supplemental ticket, direct theassociated gaming device 130B to perform one or more functionsassociated with a supplemental ticket, output a supplemental ticketand/or output information associated with a supplemental ticket to aplayer.

Thus, for example, a peripheral device 140B may be utilized to receive asupplemental ticket (e.g., via a ticket reader component), determine thebenefit defined by the supplemental ticket and cause the benefit to beprovided (e.g., to a player associated with the supplemental ticket).One manner of causing the benefit defined by a supplemental ticket to beprovided may comprise directing the associated gaming device 130 (e.g.,by directing a processor thereof) to perform a function (e.g., increasea credit meter balance, initiate a game play, activate a feature).Another manner of causing the benefit defined by the supplemental ticketto be provided may comprise directly providing the benefit to the player(e.g., based on a receipt of both a cash-out ticket and a supplementalticket, the peripheral device 140 may output a number of tokens or asecond cash-out ticket that has a value greater than the first cash-outticket). In this latter embodiment, a gaming device 130B with which aperipheral device 140B is in communication with may continue to operateconventionally and the novel features described herein may beimplemented via a peripheral device 140B.

Accordingly, a peripheral device 140B may include (i) a communicationsport (e.g., for communicating with one or more gaming devices 130B,peripheral device server 145B, another peripheral device 140B, and/orcomputer 110B); (ii) a display (e.g., for displaying messages and/orbenefits made available to a player as a result of as supplementalticket), (iii) another output means (e.g., a speaker, light, or motiondevice to communicate with a player), and or (iv) a benefit providingmeans (e.g., a printer and paper dispensing means, a credit meter,and/or a hopper and hopper controller).

In one or more embodiments, the peripheral device 140B may not messagesor other information to a player but may instead direct a processor of agaming device 130B to perform such functions. For example, a programstored in a memory of peripheral device 140B may cause a processor of agaming device 130B to perform certain functions. For example, a programstored in a memory of peripheral device 140B may cause a processor of agaming device 130B to add credits to a credit meter balance beyond anumber of credits associated with a cash-out receipt, activate a featureof the gaming device 130 that would not otherwise be activated, initiatea game play of the gaming device 130 (e.g., in embodiments in which abenefit of a supplemental ticket defines a number of free game plays tobe provided to a player), output a supplemental ticket, and/orcommunicate with another device (e.g., computer 110B).

In one or more embodiments, devices in addition to those illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1 b may be included in a system utilized to implementembodiments described herein. For example, a kiosk may be included aspart of either system 100A or system 100B, the kiosk operable to outputand/or receive supplemental tickets and/or cash-out tickets. In someembodiments, a kiosk may comprise a processor and a memory as described.A kiosk may also comprise various input devices (e.g., a keypad, akeyboard, a mouse, buttons, a port that receives player tracking cards,an optical scanner for reading barcodes or other indicia, a CCD camera,etc.), output devices (e.g., a display screen, audio speakers, etc.),benefit output devices (e.g., a coin tray or printer for printingcashless gaming tickets), combinations thereof (e.g., a“ticket-in/ticket-out” device, a touch-sensitive display screen, etc.),communications ports, and so on. Thus, a kiosk may comprise many of thefeatures and components of a gaming device, though the kiosk itself maynot necessarily be configured to enable gambling activity as a primaryfunction. A kiosk may communicate with any or all of (i) a controller,(ii) a gaming device, (iii) an inventory/reservation system of acasino-maintained property (e.g., a hotel), (iv) casino personneldevices, (v) merchant POS terminals, and so on. A number of kiosks maybe stationed within casino premises (e.g., at various locations on aslot floor). In various embodiments, kiosks may execute or assist in theexecution of (i) determining and outputting a player status or othertypes of data described herein (e.g., a kiosk receives a player trackingcard, and outputs a number of accumulated reward which a player may beentitled to redeem), (ii) outputting payments to players (e.g., uponreceipt of cash-out tickets, supplemental tickets, player trackingcards, smart cards, etc.), and/or (iii) any other process describedherein. Thus, such a device may be configured to read from and/or writeto one or more databases of the present invention. The memory of such adevice may store a program for executing such processes.

In some embodiments, various casino employees may be equipped with orotherwise utilize one or more casino personnel devices, such as personaldigital assistants (PDAs) or other computing devices (e.g., personalcomputer terminals). A casino personnel device may comprise variousinput devices (e.g., a keypad, a touch-sensitive display screen, a cardreader, an infrared bar code scanner, etc.), various output devices(e.g., an LCD screen), a processor, a memory and/or a communicationsport, as described herein with respect to other devices. In someembodiments, a casino personnel device may communicate with a gamingdevice, controller, kiosk, peripheral device, and/or aninventory/reservation system of a casino-maintained property (e.g., ahotel). Thus, a casino personnel device may be configurable to, amongother things, (i) read from and/or write to one or more databasesdescribed herein, (ii) assist in payments made to players (e.g., arepresentative “scans” a cashless gaming receipt and determines a valueassociated with the receipt, and if the receipt is valid, providespayment equal to the value), and/or (iii) execute or assist in theexecution of various other processes described herein. The memory ofsuch a device may store a program for executing such processes.

In one embodiment, a casino personnel device may be operable to output,receive, validate and/or redeem a supplemental ticket. For example, acasino attendant equipped with a casino personnel device may be capableof having a supplemental ticket printed for a player.

In some embodiments, various merchants (e.g., shops, restaurants, etc.)may utilize point-of-sale (POS) computer terminals to facilitate variousprocesses of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, aplayer may receive a cashless gaming ticket redeemable for an amount ofcurrency. However, the ticket may alternately or additionally beredeemable for an amount of credit at a particular merchant location.Thus, in some embodiments, merchants may utilize POS terminals to redeemsuch vouchers. In some embodiments, such devices may be configured toread from and/or write to one or more databases of the presentinvention. Such POS terminals may thus comprise various hardware andsoftware described herein with respect to other devices, and maycommunicate with (i) a central slot server, (ii) a gaming device, (iii)an inventory/reservation system (e.g., a computer terminal at a theatrecommunicates with an inventory database to determine a number of unsoldseats for a certain event), (iv) a kiosk, and so on.

In some embodiments of the present invention, various component devices(e.g., any or all of the benefit output devices, output devices, inputdevices and/or input output devices described herein) may be embodied asperipheral devices. For example, such devices may not necessarily becomponents of a gaming device, though they may be configured in such amanner so as to communicate with one or more gaming device processors orany other devices described herein. For example, a peripheral devicesuch as a large display device may be associated with a plurality ofgaming devices, and thus may not necessarily be considered a componentof any one gaming device. Further, in some embodiments, certainperipheral devices such as card readers may be interchangeable betweengaming devices, and thus may be considered a component of a first gamingdevice while connected thereto, removed from the first gaming device,connected to a second gaming device, and so on. In other embodiments,various peripheral devices may never be considered a component of aparticular gaming device. For example, in some embodiments, a peripheraldevice such as a USB-based portable memory device may store (i) one ormore databases described herein, and/or (ii) a program for executing oneor more process steps described herein. Such a peripheral device maythen be utilized by casino personnel for upgrading/retrofitting existinggaming devices as described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein in block diagram form is anexample embodiment 200 of a gaming device that may be a gaming device130A or a gaming device 130B. Embodiment 200 is referred to as gamingdevice 200 herein.

The gaming device 200 may be implemented as a system controller, adedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general-purposecomputer, or any other equivalent electronic, mechanical orelectromechanical device. The gaming device 200 may comprise, forexample, a slot machine, a video poker terminal, a video blackjackterminal, a video keno terminal, a video lottery terminal, a pachinkomachine or a table-top game (e.g., a mechanical or electromechanicaldevice may be associated with a table game and be operable to outputand/or redeem supplemental tickets). In various embodiments, a gamingdevice may comprise, for example, a personal computer (e.g., whichcommunicates with an online casino Web site), a telephone (e.g., tocommunicate with an automated sports book that provides gamingservices), or a portable handheld gaming device (e.g., a personaldigital assistant or Nintendo GameBoy). In some embodiments, a userdevice such as a PDA or cell phone may be used in place of, or inaddition to, some or all of the gaming device 200 components depicted inFIG. 2. Further, a gaming device may comprise a personal computer orother device operable to communicate with an online casino andfacilitate game play at the online casino. In one or more embodiments,the gaming device 200 may comprise a computing device operable toexecute software that simulates play of a reeled slot machine game,video poker game, video blackjack game, video keno game, video roulettegame, or lottery game.

The gaming device 200 comprises a processor 205, such as one or moreIntel® Pentium® processors. The processor 205 is in communication with amemory 210 and a communications port 270 (e.g., for communicating withone or more other devices): The memory 210 may comprise an appropriatecombination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and mayinclude, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory(ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The memory 210 may comprise orinclude any type of computer-readable medium. The processor 205 and thememory 210 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within asingle computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by aremote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone lineor radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the gaming device 200may comprise one or more devices that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The memory 210 stores a program 215 for controlling the processor 205.The processor 205 performs instructions of the program 215, and therebyoperates in accordance with the present invention, and particularly inaccordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program 215may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. Theprogram 215 furthermore includes pro gram elements that maybe necessary,such as an operating system, a database management system and “devicedrivers” for allowing the processor 205 to interface with computerperipheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to thoseskilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.

According to an embodiment described herein, the instructions of theprogram 215 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as from a ROM to RAM. Execution ofsequences of the instructions in program 215 causes processor 205 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternate embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with,software instructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments described herein are not limited to anyspecific combination of hardware and software. As discussed with respectto system 100B of FIG. 1B, execution of sequences of the instructions ina program of a peripheral device 140B in communication with gamingdevice 200 may also cause processor 205 to perform some of the processsteps described herein.

The memory 210 also stores a plurality of databases, including asupplemental ticket output rules database 220, and a supplemental tickettype database 225. Each of these databases is described in detail below.

As appropriate, memory 210 may also store one or more payout databasesand/or one or more probability databases. A payout database (not shown)may be stored in tabular form, or any other appropriate database form,as is well known in the art. The data stored therein may include anumber of example records or entries, each defining an outcome that maybe obtained on a gaming device that corresponds to a payout. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the payout database may includeany number of entries. The tabular representation may define fields foreach of the entries or records. The fields may specify: (i) an outcome,which indicates the one or more indicia comprising a given outcome; and(ii) a payout that corresponds to each respective outcome.

A gaming device may utilize a payout database to determine whether apayout should be output to a player as a result of an outcome obtainedfor a game play. For example, after determining the outcome to output onthe gaming device, the gaming device may access the payout database todetermine whether the outcome for output is one of the outcomes storedas corresponding to a payout greater than zero. If it is, the gamingdevice may provide the corresponding payout that is greater than zero tothe player.

A probability database (also not shown) may be stored in memory 210 intabular form, or any other appropriate database form, as is well knownin the art. The data stored therein may include a number of exemplaryrecords or entries, each defining a random number. Those skilled in theart will understand that the probability database may include any numberof entries. The tabular representation may also define fields for eachof the entries or records. The fields may specify: (i) a random number(or range of random numbers) that may be generated by the random numbergenerator; and (ii) an outcome that indicates the one or more indiciacomprising the outcome that corresponds to the random number of aparticular record. A gaming device may utilize a probability database todetermine, for example, what outcome corresponds to a random numbergenerated by a random number generator and to display the determinedoutcome. The outcomes may comprise the three symbols to be displayedalong the payline of a three-reel slot machine.

Other arrangements of payout databases and probability databases arepossible. For example, the book “Winning At Slot Machines” by Jim Regan(Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1997) illustrates examples of payoutand probability tables and how they may be derived. The entirety of thisbook is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

In one embodiment, a benefit defined by a supplemental ticket comprisesaccess to a payout table and/or a probability table that might nototherwise be utilized to determine outcomes and/or payouts. In such anembodiment, a gaming device or another device (e.g., controller 110A orcontroller 110B) may store a plurality of payout tables and/or aplurality of probability tables. An instruction associated with thesupplemental ticket may direct a gaming device to select or otherwiseutilize one of the probability tables and/or one of the payout tablesbased on (i) whether a supplemental ticket is redeemed and/or (ii)information associated with a supplemental ticket being redeemed (e.g.,a supplemental ticket may include an indication of a particular payouttable and/or a particular probability table to be accessed).

In another embodiment, a benefit defined by a supplemental ticket maycomprise an adjustment of one or more payouts of a payout table and/oran adjustment of a probability of obtaining one or more respectiveoutcomes. In such an embodiment, an instruction associated with thesupplemental ticket may direct the gaming device to adjust the one ormore payouts and/or the one or more probabilities.

Note that, although databases 220 and 225 are described as being storedin a gaming device, in other embodiments of the present invention someor all of these databases may be partially or wholly stored in anotherdevice, such as one or more of the peripheral devices 140B, theperipheral device server 145B and/or the computer 110A or 110B. Further,some or all of the data described as being stored in the databases220-235 may be partially or wholly stored (in addition to or in lieu ofbeing stored in the memory 210 of the gaming device 200) in a memory ofone or more other devices, such as one or more of the peripheral devices140B, another gaming device 130A or 130B, the peripheral device server145B and/or the computer 110A or 110B.

The databases 220, 225, 230, 235, and 240 are described in detail belowand example structures are depicted with sample entries in theaccompanying figures. As will be understood by those skilled in the art,the schematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of the sampledatabases presented herein are exemplary arrangements for storedrepresentations of information. Any number of other arrangements may beemployed besides those suggested by the tables shown. For example, eventhough two separate databases are illustrated, the invention could bepracticed effectively using one, three, four, five, or more functionallyequivalent databases. Similarly, the illustrated entries of thedatabases represent exemplary information only; those skilled in the artwill understand that the number and content of the entries can bedifferent from those illustrated herein. Further, despite the depictionof the databases as tables, an object-based model could be used to storeand manipulate the data types of the present invention and likewise,object methods or behaviors can be used to implement the processes ofthe present invention.

The processor 205 is also operable to communicate with a random numbergenerator 245, which may be a component of gaming device 200. The randomnumber generator, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention, may generate data representing random orpseudo-random values (referred to as “random numbers” herein). Therandom number generator may generate a random number every predeterminedunit of time (e.g., every second) and/or in response to an initiation ofa game play on the gaming device. In the former embodiment, thegenerated random numbers may be used as they are generated (e.g., therandom number generated at substantially the time of game playinitiation is used for that game play) and/or stored for future use. Arandom number generated by the random number generator may be used bythe processor 205 to determine, for example, an outcome for a game play,a benefit associated or to be associated with a supplemental ticket,and/or a value of a benefit associated or to be associated with aticket. For example, in one embodiment a supplemental ticket may definea benefit as a multiplier of a magnitude to be determined at a time ofredemption, the multiplier to be applied to a cash-out ticket having atleast a value equal to $25.00. The magnitude of the multiplier may bedetermined, for example, at the time of redemption of the supplementalticket along with a qualifying cash-out ticket. Thus, a random number ofrandom number generator 245 (or of another random number generator) maybe utilized to determine the magnitude of the multiplier to be applied.

A random number generator, as used herein, may be embodied as aprocessor separate from but working in cooperation with processor 205.Alternatively, random number generator may be embodied as an algorithm,program component, or software stored in the memory of gaming device 200and used to generate a random number.

Note that, although the generation or obtainment of a random number isdescribed herein as involving a random number generator of a gamingdevice, other methods of determining a random number may be employed.For example, a gaming device owner or operator may obtain sets of randomnumbers that have been generated by another entity. HotBits™, forexample, is a service that provides random numbers that have beengenerated by timing successive pairs of radioactive decays detected by aGeiger-Muller tube interfaced to a computer. In another example, ablower mechanism that uses physical balls with numbers thereon may beused to determine a random number by randomly selecting one of the ballsand determining the number thereof

In yet another example, another device remote-from the gaming device 200(e.g., a controller 110A) may include a random number generator thatgenerates random numbers to be provided to the gaming device 200. Forexample, in some embodiments, a gaming device may receive random numbersand/or any other data related to the random or pseudo-randomdetermination of an outcome from a separate device, such as a server. Itshould be noted that such embodiments may be advantageous inenvironments or jurisdictions wherein the “central determination” ofoutcomes is required by regulation or otherwise preferred.

The processor 205 is also operable to communicate with a benefit outputdevice 250, which may be a component of gaming device 200. The benefitoutput device 250 may comprise one or more devices for outputting abenefit to a player of the gaming device 200.

For example, in one embodiment the gaming device 200 may provide coinsand/or tokens as a benefit. In such an embodiment the benefit outputdevice 250 may comprise a hopper and hopper controller, for dispensingcoins and/or tokens into a coin tray of the gaming device 300.

In another example, the gaming device 200 may provide a receipt or otherdocument on which there is printed an indication of a benefit. Forexample, the gaming device may be operable to output one or morecash-out tickets and/or and/or one or more supplemental tickets. In suchan embodiment the benefit output device 250 may comprise a printingmechanism and a document dispensing mechanism.

In yet another example, the gaming device 200 may provide electroniccredits as a benefit (which, e.g., may be subsequently converted tocoins and/or tokens and dispensed from a hopper into a coin tray). Insuch an embodiment the benefit output device 250 may comprise a creditmeter balance and/or a processor that manages the amount of electroniccredits that is indicated on a display of a credit meter balance. Theprocessor may be the processor 205 or another processor.

In yet another example, the gaming device 200 may credit a monetaryamount to a financial account associated with a player as a benefitprovided to a player. The financial account may be, for example, acredit card account, a debit account, a charge account, a checkingaccount, or a casino account. In such an embodiment the benefit outputdevice 250 may comprise a device for communicating with a server onwhich the financial account is maintained.

Note that, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device 200 may includemore than one benefit output device 250 even though only one benefitoutput device is illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the gaming device200 may include each of (i) a hopper and hopper controller combination,(ii) a credit meter balance, and (iii) a document printing anddispensing combination. Such a gaming device may be operable to providemore than one type of benefit to a player of the gaming device.

A single benefit output device 250 may be operable to output more thanone type of benefit. For example, a benefit output device 250 may beoperable to increase the balance of credits in a credit meter andcommunicate with a remote device in order to increase the balance of afinancial account associated with a player.

The processor 205 is also operable to communicate with a display device255, which may be a component of gaming device 200. The display device255 may comprise, for example, one or more display screens or areas foroutputting information related to game play on the gaming device, suchas a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD)screen, or light emitting diode (LED) screen.

In one or more embodiments, gaming device 200 may comprise more than onedisplay device. For example, gaming device 200 may comprise an 1CDdisplay for displaying electronic reels, a display area that displaysrotating mechanical reels, and an LED display of a player trackingdevice (e.g., such as player tracking device 260, described below) thatoutputs information to a player.

The processor 205 may also be in communication with one or more otherdevices besides the display device 255, for outputting information(e.g., to a player or another device). Such other one or more outputdevices may also be components of gaming device 200. Such other one ormore output devices may comprise, for example, an audio speaker (e.g.,for outputting an actual and/or apparent outcome or information relatedthereto, in addition to or in lieu of such information being output viaa display device 255), an infra-red transmitter, a radio transmitter, anelectric motor, a printer (e.g., such as for printing cashless gamingvouchers), a ticket or product dispenser, an infra-red port (e.g., forcommunicating with a second gaming device or a portable device of aplayer), a Braille computer monitor, and a coin or bill dispenser. Forgaming devices, common output devices include a cathode ray tube (CRT)monitor on a video poker machine, a bell on a gaming device (e.g., ringswhen a player wins), an LED display of a player's credit balance on agaming device, an LCD display of a personal digital assistant (PDA) fordisplaying keno numbers.

The display device 255 may comprise, for example, one or more displayareas. For example, one of the display areas may display outcomes ofgames played on the gaming device (e.g., electronic reels of a gamingdevice). Another of the display areas may display rules for playing agame of the gaming device. Yet another of the display areas may displaythe benefits obtainable by playing a game of the gaming device (e.g., inthe form of a payout table). Yet another of the display area may displayinformation describing a benefit associated with a supplemental ticketto be provided, being provided, having been provided or being redeemedby a player. For example, a display area may output a message thatindicates an extra number of credits that is being provided to theplayer as a result of the player redeeming a supplemental ticket alongwith a cash-out ticket. In one or more embodiments, the gaming device200 may include more than one display device, one or more other outputdevices, or a combination thereof (e.g., two display devices and twoaudio speakers).

The processor 205 is also in communication with an input device 265,which is a device that is capable of receiving an input (e.g., from aplayer or another device, such as an indicium associated with play of agaming device) and which may be a component of gaming device 200. Aninput device may communicate with or be part of another device (e.g. aserver, a gaming device, etc.). Some examples of input devices include:a bar-code scanner, an optical scanner configured to read other indiciaof a voucher or cashless gaming ticket, a CCD camera, a magnetic stripereader (e.g., for reading data encoded upon a player tracking card), asmart card reader (e.g., for reading data stored upon a smart card), acomputer keyboard or keypad, a button, a handle, a lever, a keypad, atouch-screen, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a voice recognitionmodule, a coin or bill acceptor, a sonic ranger, a computer port, avideo camera, a motion detector, a digital camera, a network card, auniversal serial bus (USB) port, a GPS receiver, a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) receiver, an RF receiver, a thermometer, apressure sensor, an infrared port (e.g., for receiving communicationsfrom a second gaming device or from a another device such as a smartcard or PDA of a player), and a weight scale. For gaming devices, commoninput devices include a button or touch screen on a video poker machine,a lever or handle connected to the gaming device, a magnetic stripereader to read a player tracking card inserted into a gaming device, atouch screen for input of player selections during game play, a paperticket acceptor for accepting paper tickets such as cash-out tickets anda coin and bill acceptor.

In some embodiments, a gaming device may comprise components capable offacilitating both input and output functions (i.e., input/outputdevices). In one example, a touch-sensitive display screen comprises aninput/output device (e.g., the device outputs graphics and receivesselections from players). In another example, a processor maycommunicate with a “ticket-in/ticket-out” device configured to dispenseand receive cash-out tickets and/or supplemental tickets. Such a devicemay also assist in (e.g., provide data so as to facilitate) variousaccounting functions (e.g., ticket validation and redemption). Forexample, any or all of a gaming device, kiosk and casino personneldevice maintained at a cashier cage may (i) comprise such a benefitinput/output device, and/or (ii) communicate with a central server thatmanages the accounting associated with such ticket-in/ticket-outtransactions (e.g., so as to track the issuance, redemption andexpiration of such tickets). One example of ticket-in/ticket-outtechnology that may be adapted or utilized to implement embodimentsdescribed herein is the EZ Pay™ system, is manufactured by InternationalGaming Technology, headquartered in Reno, Nev.

Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, agaming device may comprise various combinations of such componentdevices. For example, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device mayinclude more than one display device, one or more other output devices,several input devices, and so on (e.g., two display screens, two audiospeakers, a ticket-in/ticket-out device and several buttons).

The processor 205 is also in communication with a payment system 275,which may be a component of gaming device 200. The payment system 275 isa device capable of accepting payment from a player (e.g., a bet orinitiation of a balance) and/or providing payment to a player (e.g., apayout). Payment is not limited to money, but may also include othertypes of consideration, including products, services, and alternatecurrencies.

Exemplary methods of accepting payment by the payment system 275 include(i) receiving hard currency (i.e., coins or bills), and accordingly thepayment system 275 may comprise a coin or bill acceptor; (ii) receivingan alternate currency (e.g., a cash-out ticket, a supplemental ticket, acoupon, a non-negotiable token), and accordingly the payment system 275may comprise a bar code reader or other sensing means; (iii) receiving apayment identifier (e.g., a credit card number, a debit card number, aplayer tracking card number, a code via a keypad or touch-screen); and(iv) determining that a player has performed a value-added activity(e.g., participating in surveys, monitoring remote images for securitypurposes, referring friends to the casino).

The processor 205 is further operable to communicate with a playertracking device 260, which may be a component of gaming device 200.Player tracking device 260 may, in one or more embodiments, comprise areader device operable to read information from and/or write informationto a card such as a smart card and/or a player tracking card, such that(i) players may be identified, and (ii) various data associated withplayers may then be determined (e.g., a number of cashable credits; anumber of promotional credits that may not be redeemed for cash; a codeor other indication of a benefit to be provided to the player, a numberof accumulated loyalty points; a number of accumulated game elementssuch as symbols, cards or hands; etc.). In one example, a card readerdevice may determine an identifier associated with a player (e.g., byreading a player tracking card comprising an encoded version of theidentifier), such that the gaming device may then access data (e.g., ofa player database, an outstanding supplemental tickets database, anoutstanding cash-out tickets database) associated with the player. Inanother example, a smart card reader device may determine dataassociated with a player directly by accessing a memory of an insertedsmart card.

Thus, as known in the art, “smart cards” may incorporate (i) a memory,and (ii) means for accessing such a memory. For example, in oneembodiment, the memory may store data related to aspects of the presentinvention. In one embodiment, data may be written to the smart card as aplayer plays one or more gaming devices (e.g., such that various datamay be updated on a continuous, periodic or event-triggered bases).Accordingly, in one or more embodiments one or more devices operable tocarry out various processes of the present invention (e.g., a gamingdevice or kiosk) may have associated therewith a smart card readerdevice, such that data may be read from the smart card pursuant to theexecution of such processes. An example of a smart card system that maybe used to implement one or more embodiments of the present invention isthe s-Choice™ Smart Card Casino Management System from Smart CardIntegrators, Inc.™.

Further, as known in the art, a gaming device may comprise a playertracking module comprising (i) a card reader (e.g., a port into whichplayer tracking cards may be inserted), (ii) various input devices(e.g., a keypad, a touch-screen), (iii) various output devices (e.g., asmall, full-color display screen), and/or (iv) combinations thereof(e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen that accommodates both input andoutput functions). Various commercially available devices may besuitable for such an application, such as the NextGen™ interactiveplayer tracking panel manufactured by IGT or the iVIEW display screenmanufactured by Bally® Gaming and Systems.

Of course, other non-card-based methods of identifying players arecontemplated. For example, a unique identification code may beassociated with the player. The player may then be identified uponentering the code. For example, the code may be stored (e.g., within adatabase maintained within the gaming device and/or a server) such thatthe player may enter the code using an input device of a gaming device,and accordingly be identified. In other embodiments, player biometricsmay serve as identification means (e.g., a player is identified via athumbprint or retinal scan). In further embodiments, a barcode of acashless gaming ticket may encode a player identifier.

Thus, as described, various data associated with a player may be trackedand stored (e.g., in an appropriate record of a centrally-maintaineddatabase), such that it may be accessed as desired (e.g., whendetermining promotional offers or rewards to be provided to players,when determining the status of player with respect to a particular gameor period of gambling activity, and so on). Further, various statisticsmay be measured in association with a player (e.g., coin-in statistics,win/loss statistics) and similarly accessed.

Various systems for facilitating such monitoring are contemplated. Forexample, a two-wire system such as one offered by International GamingSystems (IGT) may be used. Similarly, a protocol such as the IGT SAS™protocol may be used. The SAS™ protocol allows for communication betweengaming machines and slot accounting systems and provides a secure methodof communicating all necessary data supplied by the gaming device to theonline monitoring system. One aspect of the SAS™ protocol that may bebeneficial in implementing aspects of the present invention is theauthentication function which allows operators and regulators toremotely interrogate gaming devices for important memory verificationinformation, for both game programs, and peripheral devices. In anotherexample, a one-wire system such as the OASIS™ System offered byAristocrat Technologies™ or the SDS slot-floor monitoring system offeredby Bally Gaming and Systems™ may be used. Each of the systems describedabove is an integrated information system that continually monitors slotmachines and customer gaming activity. Thus, for example, any one ofthese systems may be used to monitor a player's gaming activity in orderto determine player outcomes, coin-in statistics, win/loss statisticsand/or any other data deemed relevant.

In one embodiment, a player may operate a plurality of gaming devices.For example, a player may simultaneously play two side-by-side gamingdevices, a player may play one gaming device (e.g. a gaming device) andthen continue his gaming session at another gaming device (e.g. a videopoker machine), and a player may remotely operate a gaming device,possibly by using a telephone, PDA or other device (i) to transmitcommands (directly or indirectly) to the gaming device, such as wageramounts and commands to select certain cards; and/or (ii) to receiveoutput (directly or indirectly) from the gaming device.

In one embodiment, a gaming device may allow a player to play a game ofskill rather than a game of chance. Such an embodiment may be moreappealing to certain players or may be permitted in areas where it isillegal to gamble on games of chance.

In one or more embodiments, aspects of the present invention, such asoutput of supplemental tickets and/or an modifying a parameter of agaming device based on a receipt of a first indicium associated withplay of the gaming device and a second indicium associated with play ofthe gaming device, may be practiced by replacing and/or augmenting oneor more components (e.g., hardware and/or software components) of anexisting gaming device. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the inventionmay be applied as a retrofit or upgrade to existing gaming devicescurrently available for play within various casinos.

For example, a memory (e.g., computer chip) of the gaming device may bereplaced or added, the replacement or additional memory storing aprogram for instructing the processor of the gaming device to operate inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Inanother example, data output via the gaming device (e.g., graphicaland/or textual data displayed on the gaming device) may be replaced oradded, the replacement or additional data indicating to a playerinformation relevant to one or more aspects of the present invention.

In a specific example, a gaming device may comprise various electroniccomponents mounted to one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). Suchcomponents may include various hardware described herein, such as acommunications port and various controllers of peripheral devices (e.g.,a display controller), as well as a memory for storing programminginstructions (software) and a processor for carrying out suchinstructions. Forms of memory that may be found in a gaming deviceinclude electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and flash memory. Thus,in one or more embodiments of the present invention, an EEPROM storingsoftware with instructions for carrying out aspects of the presentinvention (as well as instructions for carrying out other functionstraditionally performed by the gaming device) may replace an EEPROMpreviously installed in a gaming device or may be reprogrammed inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein, such that thegaming device may be configured to operate in accordance with variousprocesses described herein.

For example, “supplemental ticket module” may be made available forpurchase to various casino operators. The module, which may comprisevarious hardware and software (e.g., an EEPROM storing softwareinstructions), may be installed in an existing gaming device (e.g., avideo-reel slot machine, a video poker machine, etc.), such that whenthe module is installed, players of the device may elect (i) to play thegaming device in a manner that does not incorporate embodimentsdescribed herein (e.g., establish a credit balance utilizing cash or acash-out ticket only), or (ii) to play the gaming device in a mannerthat incorporates embodiments described herein (e.g., establish a creditbalance utilizing both a cash-out ticket and a supplemental ticket).Thus, players who are familiar with operating a gaming device may electto pay for them in a different or similar manner as they are accustomedto.

Accordingly, a gaming device may be configured to allow a player toselect one of two “modes” of the gaming device, and to enable theselected mode. If a player selects a “standard” mode, the gaming devicemay be configured to operate in a manner similar to how it operatedbefore the installation of the module (e.g., the gaming device operatesin a conventional manner, such that embodiments described herein may notbe utilized). If a player selects “supplemental ticket” mode, the gamingdevice may then be operable to execute game play in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

In one example of allowing a player to select one or more modes, atouch-sensitive display screen may be configured to output a promptasking a player to select a mode of operation. Such a prompt may beoutput in occurrence to various trigger conditions (e.g., coins, billsor tickets are inserted; a credit balance increases from zero to someother number; a player presses a “play” button; a motion, weight,infrared or other sensor detects the presence of a player; etc.).Accordingly, a player may select a mode of operation (e.g., by pressingan appropriately labeled icon of a touch-sensitive display screen), andupon receiving the player's selection, the gaming, device may beconfigured to operate in the selected mode.

In other embodiments, as described, a peripheral device may be usefulfor implementing one or more embodiments of the present invention intothe operation of a conventional gaming device. For example, in order toavoid or minimize the necessity of modifying or replacing a programalready stored in a memory of a conventional gaming device, an externalor internal module that comprises a peripheral device may be insertedin, connected to or otherwise associated with the gaming device.

In still further embodiments, rather than configure existing gamingdevices to execute embodiments described herein by installing orconnecting new hardware and/or software, software may be downloaded intoan existing memory of one or more gaming devices. U.S. Pat. No.6,805,634 to Wells et al. teaches methods for downloading data to gamingdevices in such a manner. The entirety of U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,634 isincorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Thus, in someembodiments, an existing gaming device may be reprogrammed toaccommodate new functionality of the present invention without the need,or by minimizing the need, to remove and replace hardware within thegaming device.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a block diagram of anembodiment 300, which maybe an embodiment of either computer 110A ofsystem 100A (FIG. 1A) or computer 110B of system 100B (FIG. 1B).Embodiment 300 is referred to as computer 300 herein. The computer 300may be implemented as a system controller, a dedicated hardware circuit,an appropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any otherequivalent electronic, mechanical or electromechanical device. Thecomputer 300 may comprise, for example, a server computer operable tocommunicate with one or more client devices, such as one or more gamingdevices, one or more kiosks, one or more peripheral devices, and/or oneor more casino personnel devices. The computer 300 is operative tomanage the system 100A and/or the system 100B and execute some or all ofthe methods described herein.

In operation, the computer 300 may function under the control of acasino, a merchant, or other entity that may also control use of thegaming devices 1 30A and/or gaming devices 130B, peripheral devices140B, and/or peripheral device server 145B. For example, the computer300 may be a slot server in a casino. In some embodiments, the computer300 and slot server may be different devices. In some embodiments, thecomputer 300 may comprise more than one computer operating together. Insome embodiments, the computer 300 and peripheral device server 145Bmaybe the same device.

The computer 300 comprises a processor 305, such as one or more Intel®Pentium® processors. The processor 305 is in communication with a memory310 and a communications port 315 (e.g., for communicating with one ormore other devices). The memory 310 may comprise an appropriatecombination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and mayinclude, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory(ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 305 and thememory 310 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within asingle computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by aremote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone lineor radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the computer 300 maycomprise one or more devices that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The memory 310 stores a program 320 for controlling the processor 305.The processor 305 performs instructions of the program 320, and therebyoperates in accordance with the present invention, and particularly inaccordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program 320may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. Theprogram 320 furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary,such as an operating system, a database management system and “devicedrivers” for allowing the processor 305 to interface with computerperipheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to thoseskilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 320 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such from a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequencesof the instructions in program 320 causes processor 305 to perform theprocess steps described herein. In alternate embodiments, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software.

The memory 310 also stores a plurality of databases, including a anoutstanding cash-out tickets database 325 and an outstandingsupplemental tickets database 330. Each of these databases is describedin detail below. Note that, although these databases are described asbeing stored in computer 300, in other embodiments of the presentinvention some or all of these databases may be partially or whollystored in another device, such as one or more of the peripheral devices140B, the peripheral device server 145B, one or more of the gamingdevices 130A and/or one or more gaming devices 130B, a slot server (ifdifferent from the computer 200), another device, or a combinationthereof. Further, some or all of the data described as being stored inthe databases 325 and 330 may be partially or wholly stored (in additionto or in lieu of being stored in the memory 310 of the computer 300) ina memory of one or more other devices, such as one or more of theperipheral devices 140B, one or more of the gaming devices 130A or oneor more of the gaming devices 130B, the peripheral device server 145Band/or a slot server (if different from computer 300).

In one or more embodiments, memory 310 may store additional databases.For example, a player database and/or a gaming device database may bestored.

A player database (not shown) may be utilized to store and/or accesshistorical data associated with specific players. A player database maybe used, for example, to store player wager data so that playerswagering over a given threshold in a given amount of time may berewarded for their patronage. The player database may also contain otherinformation that may be useful in, for example, promoting and managingplayer behaviors (e.g., information about the player's gamingpreferences, previous alternate payment offer selections and/orpreferences, outstanding debts, lodging arrangements, and the like).Further, the player database may store data regarding a given player'sstanding in a game session or bonus game, so that the player cancontinue the game session or bonus game at a plurality of game machinesthat have common access to the player database. Such player data may bestored in a relational database and retrieved or otherwise accessed bythe processor after receiving a “key” data point from the player, suchas a unique identifier read from the player's player tracking card orcashless gaming ticket.

A gaming device database (also not shown) may be utilized to store andaccess information associated with one or more gaming devices with whichcomputer 300 is operable to communicate. Examples of such informationinclude information regarding (i) a manufacturer of a gaming device,(ii) a denomination of a gaming device, (iii) one or more gamesavailable on the gaming device, (iv) features available on a gamingdevice, (v) features currently activated on a gaming device, (vi) alocation of a gaming device, (vii) a status of a gaming device, (viii)outcomes obtained via the gaming device, (ix) coin-in of a gamingdevice, (x) coin-out of a gaming device, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is a tabular representation400 of an example embodiment of an outstanding cash-out ticket database325. Tabular representation 400 is referred to herein as outstandingcash-out ticket database 400. The outstanding cash-out ticket database400 may be utilized by a device to store and/or access information aboutcash-out tickets that have been issued by one or more devices (e.g., oneor more gaming devices 130A of system 100A or one or more gaming devices130B of system 100B).

For example, upon outputting a cash-out ticket, the outputting devicemay transmit information regarding the ticket to controller 300, forstorage in a record of the outstanding cash-out ticket database 400. Inanother example, upon receiving a request to redeem a cash-out ticket, adevice may access (or cause controller 300 to access) the record of theoutstanding cash-out tickets database that corresponds to the cash-outticket (e.g., based on a unique identifier of the cash-out ticket) todetermine whether the cash-out ticket is valid (e.g., has beenpreviously properly issued, has not expired, has not been reportedstolen, etc,) and/or the value of the cash-out ticket.

The outstanding cash-out tickets database 400 includes a number ofexample records or entries, each defining a cash-out ticket that hasbeen issued or may be available for issuance (e.g., in one embodiment, aunique identifier may be determined and stored in a record of thedatabase prior to a cash-out ticket having the unique identifier beingissued). Those skilled in the art will understand that the outstandingcash-out tickets database 400 may include any number of entries. Theoutstanding cash-out ticket database 400 also defines fields for each ofthe entries or records. The fields specify: (i) a cash-out ticketidentifier 405 that uniquely identifies a cash-out ticket; (ii) anindication 410 of whether a cash-out ticket corresponding to the uniqueidentifier of field 405 has been issued (e.g., output to a player of agaming device); (iii) a value 415 of the ticket (e.g., a value thatrepresents an amount of cash that the cash-out ticket may be exchangedfor and/or a number of credits at a gaming device that the cash-outticket may be exchanged for); (iv) an indication 420 of whether thecash-out ticket has been redeemed (e.g., exchanged for either currencyor credits); (v) an expiration condition 425 associated with thecash-out ticket; and (vi) an identifier of a supplemental ticket, ifany, that is associated with the cash-out ticket.

It should be noted that an expiration condition of a cash-out ticket maybe any condition that needs to be satisfied in order for a redemption ofthe cash-out ticket to be approved (e.g. a date prior to which thecash-out ticket needs to be redeemed).

It should further be noted that a supplemental ticket may be associatedwith a cash-out ticket at a time of (i) output of the cash-out ticket,(ii) output of the supplemental ticket, (iii) redemption of the cash-outticket, and/or (iv) redemption of the supplemental ticket. Asupplemental ticket may be associated with a cash-out ticket based on(i) a request of a player, (ii) a request of a casino attendant, (iii) asignal received from a device (e.g., a gaming device or controller 300)and/or (iv) a timing of a redemption of the cash-out ticket relative toa redemption of the supplemental ticket.

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is a tabular representation500 of an example embodiment of supplemental ticket output rulesdatabase 220. Tabular representation 500 is referred to herein assupplemental ticket output rules database 500. The supplemental ticketoutput rules database 500 may be utilized by a device (e.g., a gamingdevice) to determine whether to output a supplemental ticket and/orwhich type of supplemental ticket to output. For example, a gamingdevice may utilize the supplemental ticket output rules database 500 todetermine whether a condition for outputting a supplemental ticket hasbeen satisfied and, if so, output the type of supplemental ticket thatcorresponds to the satisfied condition. In one embodiment, a gamingdevice may continuously, substantially continuously, periodical ornon-periodically monitor its functions and/or status to determinewhether a condition for outputting a supplemental ticket has beensatisfied. In one embodiment, a device besides a gaming device (e.g.,controller 300, a peripheral device 140B, peripheral device server 145B)may store the supplemental ticket output rules database 500, determinewhether a condition for outputting a supplemental ticket has beensatisfied, and output or cause another device (e.g., a gaming device) tooutput the type of supplemental ticket that corresponds to the satisfiedcondition.

The supplemental ticket output rules database 500 includes a number ofexample records or entries, each defining a condition for outputting asupplemental ticket. Those skilled in the art will understand that thesupplemental ticket output rules database 500 may include any number ofentries. The supplemental ticket output rules database 500 also definesfields for each of the entries or records. The fields specify: (i) anoutput rules identifier 505 that may (e.g., uniquely) identify a rulefor outputting a supplemental ticket, (ii) an output condition 510 thesatisfaction of which may cause an output of a supplemental ticket, and(iii) a supplemental ticket type identifier 515 that identifies (e.g.,uniquely) the type of supplemental ticket that is to be output.

Rules for determining when to output a supplemental ticket and/or whattype of supplemental ticket to output may be constructed pursuant to avariety of marketing strategies; while the general goal of outputting asupplemental ticket may be to encourage players to redeem cash-outtickets for credits at a gaming device, more specific goals may focus onencouraging play with respect to particular gaming devices, gamingdevices of particular denominations or ranges of denominations, gamingdevices in particular locations of a casino, tickets, time periods,players, and the like.

Rules for outputting a supplemental ticket may be programmed such thatsupplemental tickets are output upon the satisfaction of one or moreconditions. For example, a supplemental ticket may be output when: (i) acash-out ticket with a particular value is output (e.g., rule 1 of table500), (ii) a gaming device has been in an idle state (e.g., “attractmode”) or has otherwise been under-utilized for a period of time (e.g.,rule 2 of table 500), (iii) a player has ended play on a particulardevice after a relatively short period of time (e.g., rule 3 of table500), (iv) a player has lost a certain amount of money (e.g., rule 4 oftable 500), (v) cashout occurs during a certain period of time (e.g.,rule 5 of table 500), etc. It should be appreciated that a wide range ofsuch rules may be employed. It should further be understood that aparticular rule may specify more than one condition that need bysatisfied in order for a particular type of supplemental ticket to beoutput.

In one embodiment, upon determining that a condition corresponding to aparticular type of supplemental ticket has been satisfied, asupplemental ticket of the corresponding type may be caused to beoutput. For example, again referencing table 500, should rule 2 besatisfied (i.e., a timer indicates that a gaming device has remainedidle for more than five minutes), a processor (e.g., of a gaming device,of a peripheral device, or of a controller) may instruct aticket-in/ticket-out device to output a supplemental ticket of type“101”. The ticket-in/ticket-out device may then register indicia uponthe supplemental ticket as it is output (e.g., a bar code indicating thesupplemental ticket type identifier, associated marketing text, etc.).

Accordingly, supplemental tickets of various types may be output withrespect to a variety of marketing strategies. For example, numerousindividual supplemental tickets of the same type may be made availableat once on a casino floor. Each individual supplemental ticket of aparticular type may provide a substantially similar benefit. It may bedesirable to provide players with access to numerous supplementaltickets (e.g., of the same type), since possession of such supplementaltickets may encourage the redemption of cash-out tickets at gamingdevices for credits and thus game plays, in turn generating casinorevenues, greater play and/or increased trials of certain gamingdevices. Alternately, should this not be desired, each supplementalticket may comprise a unique identifier, such that the use of individualsupplemental tickets may be restricted in accordance with, for example,redemption and expiration data stored at a controller.

As described herein, a supplemental ticket may comprise a supplementalticket type identifier and/or a supplemental ticket identifier. Asupplemental ticket identifier and/or a supplemental ticket typeidentifier (e.g., determined by scanning a bar code) may be used, forexample, by a gaming device to access data stored in a memory. Such datamay describe information concerning the use of a supplemental ticketand/or a supplemental ticket of a particular type (e.g., redemptionconditions and/or instructions for modifying a parameter or otherwiseproviding a benefit). Such data may be stored, for example, in adatabase of a gaming device or controller (e.g., a supplemental tickettype database 235). For example, such data may indicate that asupplemental ticket may only be redeemed (i) along with a qualifyingcash-out ticket (e.g., a specified cash-out ticket or a cash-out tickethaving one or more specified characteristics), (ii) at a qualifyingdevice, (iii) during a specified time period, etc., as detailed furtherherein. Accordingly, a supplemental ticket may comprise text indicating,for example, (i) which cash-out ticket(s) a player may redeem thesupplemental ticket along with (e.g., “Insert this bonus ticket alongwith any cash-out ticket worth $50 or less”), (ii) which devices acceptthe supplemental ticket (e.g., “Insert this ticket into any VolcanoMadness machine”), (iii) a time period during which the supplementalticket may be used (e.g., “Bonus ticket valid 5:00-6:00 p.m. only”),etc.

In one embodiment, supplemental ticket output rules database may includeanother field that indicates a current status of each rule. Such a fieldmay store, for example, an indication of whether each respective rule iscurrently “active” (thus being available for use in determining whetherthe corresponding supplemental ticket type is to be output) or“inactive.” Inclusion of such a field may allow, for example, casinopersonnel and/or a controller to selectively control which rules foroutputting supplemental ticket types are active at any given time.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, illustrated therein is a tabularrepresentation 600 of an example embodiment of supplemental ticket typedatabase 225. Tabular representation 600 is referred to herein assupplemental ticket type database 600. Supplemental ticket type databasemay be utilized by a device (e.g., a gaming device 130A or 130B and/orcontroller 110A or controller 110B) to output a supplemental ticket,determine redemption conditions associated with a supplemental ticket,and/or determine a benefit defined by a supplemental ticket. Forexample, upon receiving a request to redeem a supplemental ticket alongwith a cash-out receipt, a gaming device may access (or cause controller130A or controller 130B to access) the supplemental ticket type database600 to verify that the redemption conditions associated with thesupplemental ticket (e.g., based on the type of supplemental ticket,which may be indicated via an identifier of the supplemental ticket)have been satisfied. Similarly, the gaming device may access thesupplemental ticket type database 600 to determine an instructionassociated with the supplemental ticket (e.g., in order to execute theinstruction). For example, if the instruction defines a number ofcredits by which a value associated with the cash-out ticket is to beincreased, upon determining the instruction the gaming device may causea credit meter balance to be increased by the defined number of credits.

The supplemental ticket type database 600 includes a number of examplerecords or entries, each a type of supplemental ticket that may beoutput and/or redeemed. Those skilled in the art will understand thatthe supplemental ticket type database 600 may include any number ofentries. The supplemental ticket type database 600 also defines fieldsfor each of the entries or records. The fields specify: (i) asupplemental ticket type identifier 605 that identifies (e.g., uniquely)a type of supplemental ticket that may be output and/or redeemed; (ii)qualifying cash-out tickets 610 that define cash-out tickets along withwhich a supplemental ticket of the corresponding type may be redeemed;(iii) qualifying devices 615 at which a supplemental ticket of thecorresponding type may be redeemed (e.g., by specifying a gaming deviceidentifier and/or characteristic of a gaming device such as a locationof the gaming device); (iv) qualifying time periods 620 during which asupplemental ticket of the corresponding type may be redeemed; (v) aparameter type 625 that indicates a parameter that may be modified or aparameter a value of which may be modified upon redemption of asupplemental ticket of the corresponding type; (vi) one or moreinstructions that are to be executed upon redemption of a supplementalticket of the corresponding type (e.g., an instruction regarding how thecorresponding parameter or value of the corresponding parameter is to bemodified); (vi) a start event 635 that indicates one or more events uponthe occurrence of which, substantially upon the occurrence of whichand/or after the occurrence of which a modification of the correspondingparameter is to be performed; and (viii) an end event 640 that indicatesone or more events upon the occurrence of which, substantially upon theoccurrence of which, and/or after the occurrence of which themodification of the corresponding parameter is to end.

The fields 610 through 620 specify various redemption conditions thatmay be associated with a supplemental ticket. Of course, otherredemption conditions may be appropriate.

It should be noted that, in one or more embodiments, some or all of theinformation stored in the supplemental ticket type database 600 may,alternatively or additionally, be stored or indicated on a supplementalticket that is output. For example, if a supplemental ticket of the type“101” is output, the supplemental ticket may have printed thereon (e.g.,in machine and/or human readable form) an indication that thesupplemental ticket is redeemable with any cash-out receipt, on anydevice in bank “A” of devices located in room “Z”, at any time. Thesupplemental ticket may also indicate that the benefit to be providedupon redemption of the supplemental ticket is an addition of fivenon-cashable credits to a credit meter balance of the device at whichthe supplemental ticket is being redeemed.

Referring now to FIG. 7, illustrated therein is a tabular representation700 illustrates an example embodiment of an outstanding supplementaltickets database 335. Tabular representation 700 is referred to hereinas outstanding supplemental tickets database 700. Outstandingsupplemental tickets database 700 may be accessed by a device (e.g., agaming device and/or a controller), for example, to store and/or accessinformation about a particular supplemental ticket. The supplementalticket may be one that has previously been provided to a player. Forexample, upon receiving an input of a supplemental ticket, a gamingdevice may communicate with a controller to determine, based on theinformation stored in the outstanding supplemental tickets database 700,whether the redemption can be authorized.

The outstanding supplemental ticket database 700 includes a number ofexample records or entries, each defining a supplemental ticket that maybe output or has been output. Those skilled in the art will understandthat the outstanding supplemental ticket database 700 may include anynumber of entries. The outstanding supplemental ticket database 700 alsodefines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields specify:(i) a supplemental ticket identifier 705 that identifies (e.g.,uniquely) a supplemental ticket; (ii) a supplemental ticket type 710that identifies the type of supplemental ticket; (iii) redemptioncondition(s) 715 associated with the corresponding supplemental ticket;(iv) a status 720 currently associated with the supplemental ticket(e.g., issued, redeemed); and (v) an associated cash-out ticket field725 that stores an indication of any cash-out tickets associated withthe corresponding supplemental ticket.

It should be noted that a cash-out ticket may be associated with asupplemental ticket at a time of (i) output of the cash-out ticket, (ii)output of the supplemental ticket, (iii) redemption of the cash-outticket, and/or (iv) redemption of the supplemental ticket. A cash-outticket may be associated with a supplemental ticket based on (i) arequest of a player, (ii) a request of a casino attendant, (iii) asignal received from a device (e.g., a gaming device or controller 300)and/or (iv) a timing of a redemption of the cash-out ticket relative toa redemption of the supplemental ticket.

It should further be noted that the redemption condition(s) stored infield 715 may include some or all of the redemption condition(s) 645 oftable 600 (FIG. 6A). In one embodiment, some or all of the redemptioncondition(s) 645 associated with the type of supplemental ticket thatcorresponds to an outstanding supplemental ticket may be stored in fold715, along with additional redemption condition(s) that may beassociated with the particular supplemental ticket. For example, in oneembodiment a supplemental ticket may be associated with a particularplayer identifier (e.g., a player identifier of a player to whom thesupplemental ticket was issued), such that the supplemental ticket mayonly be redeemed along with the player identifier. In another example, aticket type may be associated with a period of time redemption conditionthat defines a period of time from the time of issuance of a particularsupplemental ticket of the type, during which period the supplementalticket may be redeemed. In such an example, the redemption condition(s)field 715 may store an actual expiration date (e.g., calculated based onthe time of issuance of the supplemental ticket) rather than anindication of the period of time as it is stored in field 620 of FIG.6A.

In one or more embodiments, some or all of the information stored in theoutstanding supplemental tickets database 700 may additionally oralternatively be stored or indicated on a supplemental ticket. Forexample, a supplemental ticket may have printed thereon (e.g., inmachine and/or human readable form) an indication of the redemptioncondition(s) associated with the supplemental ticket and/or any cash-outtickets associated with the supplemental ticket.

Described below, with reference to FIGS. 8 through 10, are variousprocesses that may be executed in accordance with embodiments describedherein. Any and all of the processes, as well as any portions thereof,may be performed by (i) a gaming device, (ii) a controller, (iii)devices operatively connected to gaming devices and/or controllers(e.g., input and/or output devices), and/or (iv) any combinationthereof. Thus, it is contemplated that the steps may be performed by anycombination of the devices and computers described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is a flowchart depictingone process 800 that is consistent with embodiments described herein. Itshould be noted that the different steps of the process 800 may beperformed at different times (e.g., step 815 may be performed days,weeks or months after step 810 is performed) and by different devices(e.g., step 810 may be performed by a kiosk or first gaming device,while step 815 may be performed by a second gaming device). However, theprocess 800 is presented herein as a single process that may beperformed by a combination of devices (e.g., operable to communicatewith one another over a network of a casino) in order to provide a morecomprehensive overview of the various sub-processes that may be involvedin implementing some of the embodiments described herein, and how thesesub-processes may relate to one another.

In step 805, a benefit for a supplemental ticket is determined. Itshould be noted that step 805 may, in one or more embodiments, bepreceded by a step of determining whether to output a supplementalticket or a step of receiving an instruction (e.g., an instructionreceived by a gaming device from a controller) to output a supplementalticket. In the latter embodiment, the instruction may include anindication of the benefit, thus step 805 may comprise determining thebenefit indicated by the instruction. Determining whether to output asupplemental ticket may comprise monitoring conditions or events (e.g.,at one or more gaming devices) in order to determine whether one or moreconditions for outputting a supplemental ticket has been satisfied(e.g., by determining whether one or more of the conditions 510 of thesupplemental ticket output rules database 500 has been satisfied).

Determining a benefit for a supplemental ticket may comprise, forexample, determining whether a condition associated with a supplementalticket type has been satisfied (e.g., by determining whether one or moreof the conditions 510 of the supplemental ticket output rules database500 has been satisfied), and, if so, determining the benefit thatcorresponds to the supplemental ticket type. For example, theappropriate record of supplemental ticket type database may be, accessedbased on the supplemental ticket type identifier associated with thesatisfied condition. Determining the benefit may thus compriseDetermining the parameter type 625 associated with the supplementalticket type and the instruction(s) for modifying the parameter. In suchan embodiment, a benefit comprises a modification of a parameter ormodification of a value associated with a parameter.

It should be noted that determining a benefit for a supplemental ticketin step 805 may comprise determining the benefit but not necessarily thevalue of the benefit. In one embodiment, the benefit may be determinedprior to the supplemental ticket being output while the value of thebenefit may be determined subsequent to the supplemental ticket beingoutput (e.g., at the time of redemption). For example, the benefitdetermined prior to output of the supplemental ticket may be amodification of payout parameter, with an associated instruction tomodify all payouts for the first twenty game plays after redemption ofthe supplemental ticket by a multiplier of “1.05”. However, in such anembodiment the actual value of the benefit may not be determined untilafter the supplemental ticket is redeemed and the multiplier is appliedto the twenty game plays. Thus, not only may determining the value ofthe benefit of a supplemental ticket be a subroutine performedseparately from a subroutine of determining the benefit of thesupplemental ticket, the two subroutines may be performed at differenttimes and/or by different devices. Of course, in one embodiment, step805 may comprise determining both the benefit and the value of thebenefit for a supplemental ticket. For example, in one embodiment thebenefit may be determined to be an addition of a specific number ofnon-cashable credits to a credit meter balance when the supplementalticket is redeemed along with at least one other ticket and the valuemay be determined to be the specific number of the non-cashable credits.

In one embodiment, step 805 of determining a benefit for a supplementalticket may include determining the person to whom the benefit is to beprovided via the supplemental ticket. In one or more embodiments, asupplemental ticket may be issued or output to a particular player. Insuch embodiments, process 800 may further comprise determining theplayer. For example, the player currently playing a gaming device atwhich the supplemental ticket is to be output may be the determinedplayer. In another example, a supplemental ticket may be mailed to aplayer and the player may be determined by being selected (e.g.,randomly, based on particular criteria, etc.) from a player database.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, determining a benefit and/or a valueof a benefit for a supplemental ticket may be determined based oninformation associated with a player to whom the supplemental ticket isto be output or issued. For example, a player with a first (e.g., morevaluable to the casino) status or rating may be provided with a benefitthat is more beneficial (to the player) than a player with a second(e.g., less favorable to the casino) status or rating. Determining amore beneficial benefit may comprise determining a type of benefit thatis more beneficial to a player and/or determining a value of a benefitthat is more beneficial to a player.

As described above, in one embodiment a value of a benefit may bedetermined at a time of redemption of the supplemental ticket. Thus, inone or more embodiments in which a supplemental ticket is a bearerinstrument that may be redeemed by any player, the value of the benefitmay be determined at the time of redemption to be a first value if thesupplemental ticket is redeemed by a first player but determined to be asecond value if the supplemental ticket is redeemed by a second player.For example, a player associated with a status of “frequent player” whoredeems a supplemental ticket associated with a multiplier to be appliedto a top jackpot may be provided with a multiplier of “1.2” while if thesame supplemental ticket had been redeemed by a player associated with astatus of “infrequent player” may be provided with a lesser multiplierof “1.1”.

It should be noted that a value of a benefit may be determined via arandom number generator (e.g., a magnitude of a multiplier by which apayout is to be multiplied may be determined based on a random number).This may be true irrespective of the time at which the value isdetermined (e.g., at time of issuance or redemption of a supplementalticket).

In one embodiment, step 805 may be performed by a controller (e.g.,controller 300) that receives or otherwise obtains informationassociated with one or more gaming devices in order to determine whethera supplemental ticket should be output at (e.g., via a printingmechanism of the gaming device or a peripheral device associated withthe gaming device) the one or more gaming devices. In anotherembodiment, step 805 may be performed by a kiosk, casino personneldevice and/or gaming device.

In step 810, a supplemental ticket is output. Outputting a supplementalticket may comprise, for example, causing the supplemental ticket to beprinted and dispensed from the printing mechanism. The printingmechanism may be a printing mechanism of a gaming device, a printingmechanism of a kiosk, a printing mechanism of a controller, a printingmechanism of a casino personnel device, etc. In another embodiment,outputting a supplemental ticket (e.g., particularly in embodiments inwhich another indicium associated with game play besides a supplementalticket, such as a code, is output), the step of outputting may compriseoutputting information (e.g., the code) via a display device associatedwith the gaming device.

It should be noted that a value of a benefit and/ or the benefit may ormay not be printed on the associated supplemental ticket and/or may ormay not be easily determinable by the player. For example, asupplemental ticket may have printed thereon that redemption of thesupplementary ticket along with a cash-out ticket may result in a“mystery” amount of credits to be provided to the player or a “mystery”multiplier being applied to a payout. In such embodiments, the mysteryvalue of the benefit may in fact be predetermined and associated withthe supplemental ticket (e.g., the value of the benefit may bedetermined at the time of issuance of the supplemental ticket and storedin association with the supplemental ticket identifier in a database).Alternatively, the mystery value of the benefit may not be predeterminedbut may instead be determined at a time subsequent to issuance of theticket. For example, the value of the benefit may be determined at thetime of redemption or even after a time of redemption (e.g., via arandom number generator and/or based on information associated with theredemption). Information associated with the redemption may include atime of redemption (e.g., a value may be higher if the supplementalticket is redeemed during certain “bonus” times), a gaming device atwhich the supplemental ticket is redeemed (e.g., a benefit may be worthmore on some gaming devices than others), a player who redeems thesupplemental ticket, a cash-out receipt along with which thesupplemental ticket is redeemed. As an example of the last factor thatmay effect a value of a benefit, a player may be provided with two extracredits if the supplemental ticket is redeemed along with a cash-outreceipt having a face value less than $20.00 but may be provided withfive extra credits if the supplemental ticket defining the benefit isredeemed along with a cash-out receipt having a face value at leastequal to $20.00.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, process 800 may furtherinclude a step of outputting a cash-out ticket. For example, inembodiments in which a gaming device outputs a supplemental ticket, thesupplemental ticket may be output in association with (e.g., shortlybefore, shortly after, during or at the end of the same play session,etc.) a cash-out ticket. In some embodiments, upon receiving anindication that a player of a gaming device has indicated a request tocash out (e.g., a player actuates a “Cash Out” button), the gamingdevice may output a cash-out ticket. In one embodiment, a cash-outticket may bear a face value equal to a gaming device credit balance theplayer accumulated before cashing out (i.e., the player automaticallyreceives a ticket for his/her entire balance). In other embodiments,after indicating a desire to cash out, a player may be presented withvarious options. One option may comprise receiving only a portion of anaccumulated credit balance via a cash-out ticket.

As described herein, a cash-out ticket may entitle its bearer to anamount of credits or currency equal to an indicated face value (e.g., 35credits or $35). In some embodiments, a cash-out ticket may comprise asubstrate (e.g., a small piece of paper) that may be output and/orreceived by a gaming device (e.g., via a “ticket-in/ticket-out” slot),comprising machine-readable indicia (e.g., a bar code) and a uniquereceipt identifier (e.g., a series of numeric digits). A cash-out ticketmay be output by a ticket-in/ticket-out device or any other benefitoutput device described herein. In some embodiments, the step ofoutputting a cash-out ticket via a ticket-in/ticket-out device comprisesprinting various indicia upon a substrate. Ink jet, thermal, laser andother methods for registering indicia are contemplated.

In some embodiments, each cash-out ticket output from a gaming device incommunication with a controller may comprise a unique identificationcode. In this manner, after receiving a cashout request from a player, agaming device processor may actuate a ticket-in/ticket-out device tooutput a cash-out ticket comprising, (i) an indication of a face value(e.g., text upon the cash-out ticket reads “$35”), (ii) a uniquecash-out ticket identifier (e.g., 100901), and (iii) a machine-readablebar code indicating the particular cash-out ticket (e.g., the cash-outticket identifier in the form of a bar code). In one embodiment, theunique cash-out ticket identifier may be generated or otherwisedetermined by the gaming device and communicated to the controller. Inanother embodiment, the unique cash-out ticket identifier may beobtained by the gaming device from the controller.

A step of outputting a cash-out ticket may comprise communicating with adevice storing the outstanding cash-out tickets database 330 to reflectthe issuance of a cash-out ticket bearing a unique identification code.Specifically, a gaming device processor may access an outstandingcash-out tickets database 330 stored by a central controller (or causethe controller to access the database) in order to update an existingdatabase record associated with the unique cash-out ticket identifier ofthe cash-out ticket that has been issued, or to create such a record.For example, both an indication of issuance field 410 and the valuefield 415 of table 400 that embodies an example of the outstandingcash-out ticket database 235 may be updated upon the output of acash-out ticket. In this manner, should the player re-insert thecash-out ticket into a gaming device, the device may execute avalidation process, which may comprise (i) determining a cash-out ticketidentifier (e.g., by scanning a machine-readable bar code), (ii)determining a status of the cash-out ticket (e.g., by accessing adatabase to determine if the cash-out ticket has been issued, but notyet redeemed), and (iii) providing an associated value (e.g., adding theappropriate number of credits to an electronic credit meter).

Referring again to step 810, outputting a supplemental ticket maycomprise outputting, via a gaming device, a supplemental ticket. Forexample, in some embodiments, a supplemental ticket and a cash-outticket may be output by the same benefit output device (e.g., ticketdispenser, ticket-in/ticket-out device, etc.). Further, a supplementalticket may appear similar in nature to a cash-out ticket. For example,both a supplemental ticket and a cash-out ticket may comprise a piece ofpaper of substantially the same size, and a bar code may appear inapproximately the same location on each ticket. However, marketing textand other indicia may appear differently; for example, a cash-out ticketmay read “Cash-Out Ticket—$45.00,” whereas a supplemental ticket mayread “Bonus Ticket—10% Higher Payouts.” A supplemental ticket maycomprise instructions indicating to a player any rules and processesassociated with redeeming the supplemental ticket. Additionally, asupplemental ticket may comprise a supplemental ticket type identifier(e.g., a series of numeric digits), and machine-readable indiciaindicating a supplemental ticket type identifier.

It should be noted that in one embodiment, a gaming device may beprogrammed to output a supplemental ticket along with each cash-outticket (or along with each qualifying cash-out ticket, such as anycash-out ticket with a face value of at least $10.00). Further, thesupplemental tickets maybe pre-printed and stored in the gaming devicefor output. Alternatively, the gaming device may be programmed to onlyoutput a particular type of supplemental ticket or one of a set of typesof supplemental tickets in a random or particular order. In suchembodiments, step 805 may simply comprise determining that a cash-outticket is being output or about to be output and therefore outputting asupplemental ticket, the supplemental ticket being simply the nextsupplemental ticket in queue to be output or of a type that is the nexttype in queue to be output.

In one embodiment, a ticket-in/ticket-out device provides a supplementalticket and a cash-out ticket sequentially. In another embodiment, acash-out ticket has attached thereto a supplemental ticket and thecash-out ticket may therefore be provided simultaneously orsubstantially simultaneously with the supplemental ticket (e.g., twotickets, affixed by perforation to one another, are output at once).

In some embodiments, a benefit output device (e.g., a ticket dispenser)may be loaded with pre-printed supplemental tickets. In otherembodiments, indicia may be printed upon a supplemental ticket by aprinter as the supplemental ticket is output.

In step 815, a supplemental ticket is received along with at least oneother ticket. For example, a supplemental ticket may be received by agaming device (e.g., via a ticket-in/ticket-out component of the gamingdevice) when inserted by a player. The gaming device may then prompt theplayer for a cash-out receipt and the player may insert a cash-outreceipt that the player intends to redeem along with the supplementalticket. In one embodiment, instructions for inserting a supplementalticket in order to redeem the supplemental ticket may be printed orotherwise indicated on the supplemental ticket. For example, a playermay have obtained a supplemental ticket indicating, “Insert this bonusticket before any cash-out ticket worth $50 or less and get doublejackpot payouts as long as you play.” Thus, in some embodiments, aplayer may be instructed to insert a supplemental ticket into a gamingdevice before inserting a qualifying cash-out ticket.

Accordingly, a gaming device may receive a supplemental ticketpreviously output to a player. As described herein, in some embodimentsa supplemental ticket may be received by a ticket-in/ticket-out device.For example, a customer may approach a gaming device and partiallyinsert a supplemental ticket into a ticket-in/ticket-out slot, such thatthe device detects the insertion of the supplemental ticket and actuatesa motor to accept the supplemental ticket completely. In otherembodiments, an alternate input device, such as a designatedsupplemental ticket acceptor, may receive a supplemental ticket.

In some embodiments, the step 815 of receiving a supplemental ticket maycomprise outputting a message to a player. A message may be output viaany combination of output devices, including display devices, audiospeakers and the like. For example, a message may comprise text outputto a gaming device display screen.

In one or more embodiments, a method may provide for (i) receiving afirst ticket, (ii) determining based on the ticket to output a messagerequesting a second ticket, (iii) receiving the second ticket, and (iv)causing the output of the message to end.

In some embodiments, after receiving a supplemental ticket anddetermining that the redemption condition(s) associated with thesupplemental ticket (a process described in more detail with respect tostep 820, below), a processor may instruct a display screen to outputone or more messages. For example, should a redemption condition of thesupplemental ticket specify that any cash-out ticket is a qualifyingcash-out ticket, a processor may instruct, upon receiving a supplementalticket, a display screen to output text indicating “Please insert anycash-out ticket now!” In other examples, after determining variousredemption conditions associated with a received supplemental ticket, aprocessor may instruct a display screen to output text indicating:“Please insert any cash-out ticket with a face value of $50 or less,” or“Please insert any cash-out ticket with a Bonus Star Symbol,” etc, asappropriate based on the associated redemption condition(s).

As described, step 815 comprises receiving a supplemental ticket alongwith at least one other ticket. The at least one other ticket maycomprise another supplemental ticket and/or a cash-out ticket. Thus, inone embodiment, step 815 may comprise receiving two or more tickets, oneof which may be a cash-out ticket. In one embodiment, the at least oneother ticket may comprise currency in the form of bills, coins or casinotokens. Thus, in one embodiment the value of the currency in one ofthese forms may be increased (e.g., multiplied or added to) based on aredemption of a supplemental ticket.

As described herein, in one embodiment a gaming device may receive acash-out ticket via a ticket-in/ticket-out device or any other inputdevice. In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket and a cash-out ticketmay be sequentially received by the same ticket-in/ticket-out device.For example, a player may (i) approach a gaming device, (ii) insert asupplemental ticket, and (iii) insert a cash-out ticket.

Upon receiving a cash-out ticket, the device receiving the cash-outticket (or another device with which the device receiving the cash-outticket is operable to communicate) may determine a cash-out ticketidentifier (e.g., by scanning a bar code). The device receiving thecash-out ticket may then access (or cause another device to access) theappropriate record of an outstanding cash-out tickets database 330(e.g., based on the determined cash-out ticket identifier) in order todetermine, (i) whether or not the cash-out ticket has been issued, (ii)whether or not the cash-out ticket has been previously redeemed, (iii)whether or not the cash-out ticket has expired, and (iv) a value of thecash-out ticket (e.g., an amount of credits associated with the cash-outticket). In some embodiments, a number of credits indicated by thecash-out ticket may then be provided to a player by being added to acredit meter balance of a gaming device (e.g., the gaming device thatreceived the cash-out ticket).

In step 820, it is determined whether the redemption condition(s)associated with the supplemental ticket received in step 815 have beensatisfied. Determining whether the redemption condition(s) have beensatisfied may comprise, for example, determining the redemptioncondition(s). Such a determination may be performed, for example, byaccessing a database storing such redemption condition(s) in associationwith an identifier of the supplemental ticket (e.g., a uniquesupplemental ticket identifier and/or a supplemental ticket typeidentifier). In another embodiment, determining whether the redemptioncondition(s) have been satisfied may comprise communicating with anotherdevice (e.g., a gaming device may communicate with a controller thatstores such a database). For example, a gaming device may communicatethe identifier of the supplemental ticket to the other device and, inreturn receive an indication of whether the associated redemptioncondition(s) have been satisfied and/or an indication of the redemptioncondition(s). In one embodiment, the redemption condition(s) areincluded on the supplemental ticket in machine readable form, such thatthe gaming device need not communicate with another device to determinethe redemption condition(s) and/or whether the redemption condition(s)have been satisfied. Even in such embodiments, however, the gamingdevice may communicate with another device (e.g., a controller) toindicate the redemption and/or attempted redemption of the supplementalticket.

Various redemption condition(s) may be associated with a supplementalticket (e.g., as described briefly with reference to table 600 (FIGS. 6Aand 6B) and table 700 (FIG. 7). Examples of such redemption condition(s)will now be described in more detail.

One redemption condition that may be associated with a supplementalticket may comprise a condition that specifies a qualifying device. Inother words, in one embodiment a supplemental ticket may only beredeemed (e.g., a parameter defined by the supplemental ticket may bemodified) at a qualifying gaming device. A qualifying device maycomprise a device having one or more specified characteristics. Forexample, a qualifying device may comprise one or more of the following(i) one or more specific devices as identified by a device number (e.g.,#1745; #1800-1899), (ii) one or more devices manufactured by a specifiedcompany, (iii) one or more devices characterized by the same game ortheme (e.g., video poker, Volcano Madness, etc.), (iv) one or moredevices in a particular location (e.g., “Room Z” of casino, “Bank A” ofmachines, etc.). Thus, in one embodiment, step 820 may comprisedetermining whether the received supplemental ticket is being redeemedat a qualifying device. For example, turning to FIG. 6A, if supplementalticket type 103 is received by a gaming device, it may be determinedthat the supplemental ticket of the type is only redeemable at deviceshaving device identifiers #1800-1899. Thus, if the gaming device atwhich the supplemental ticket is received is a device having anidentifier that is within the specified range of acceptable identifiers,it may be determined that this redemption condition has been satisfied.

Another redemption condition that may be associated with a supplementalticket may comprise a condition that specifies a qualifying period oftime. In other words, in one embodiment a supplemental ticket may onlybe redeemed (e.g., a parameter defined by the supplemental ticket may bemodified) during a qualifying period of time. A qualifying period oftime may comprise a period of time having one or more specifiedcharacteristics. For example, a qualifying period of time may compriseone or more of the following: (i) a period of hours during which asupplemental ticket may be redeemed (e.g., “Coupon valid 5:00-6:00 p.m.only”), (ii) one or more days during which the supplemental ticket maybe redeemed (e.g., “Ticket valid Sundays only”), (iii) within a periodof time of a specified time (e.g., within an hour from issuance of theticket), etc. Thus, in one embodiment, step 820 may comprise determiningwhether a current time at which the received supplemental ticket isbeing redeemed is within a qualifying period of time. For example,turning to FIG. 6A, if supplemental ticket type 102 is received by agaming device, it may be determined that the supplemental ticket of thetype is only redeemable between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Thus, if the gamingdevice at which the supplemental ticket is received determines that thecurrent time (e.g., based on an internal clock accessible to theprocessor of the gaming device) is between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, it maybe determined that this redemption condition has been satisfied.

Another redemption condition that may be associated with a supplementalticket may comprise a condition that specifies a qualifying cash-outticket. In other words, in one embodiment a supplemental ticket may onlybe redeemed (e.g., a parameter defined by the supplemental ticket may bemodified) along with a qualifying cash-out ticket. A qualifying cash-outticket may comprise a cash-out ticket having one or more specifiedcharacteristics. For example, a qualifying cash-out ticket may compriseone or more of the following: (i) a cash-out ticket having a particularcash-out ticket identifier (e.g., #20759), (ii) a cash-out ticket havingan identifier that is within a certain range of identifiers (e.g.,#10001-19999), (iii) a cash-out ticket having a certain indicia (e.g., a“bonus star” symbol, a particular bar code or portion thereof, etc.),(iv) a cash-out ticket having a particular face value or a face valuewithin a particular range (e.g., any cash-out ticket worth $50 or less),(v) any cash-out ticket issued by one or more particular gaming devices,(vi) a cash-out ticket associated with a minimum amount of game playactivity performed prior to issuance of the cash-out ticket (e.g., aplayer completed at least ten game plays prior to cashing out a creditbalance and obtaining the cash-out ticket), etc. It should be noted thatthe last example of a qualifying cash-out ticket may be helpful indeterring “gaming” of the embodiments of the present system wherein aplayer may establish a credit balance and immediately cash it out in theform of a cash-out ticket in order to obtain a cash-out ticket to redeemalong with a supplemental ticket.

Thus, in one embodiment, step 820 may comprise determining whether acash-out ticket along with which the received supplemental ticket isbeing redeemed is a qualifying cash-out ticket. For example, turning toFIG. 6A, if supplemental ticket type 102 is received by a gaming device,it may be determined that the supplemental ticket of the type is onlyredeemable along with a cash-out ticket having a face value of $50.00 orless. Thus, if the gaming device at which the supplemental ticket isreceived determines that the cash-out receipt that has been receivedalong with the supplemental ticket has a face value of $50.00 or less(e.g., based on an identifier of the cash-out ticket), it may bedetermined that this redemption condition has been satisfied.

If it is determined that the redemption condition(s) associated with thesupplemental ticket have not been satisfied, the process 800 continuesto step 825, in which a redemption failure message is output. Forexample, a gaming device may output via a display device a message thatreads “Unfortunately, we are unable to authorize redemption of yoursupplemental ticket for the following reasons . . . ” or “Sorry, thisBonus Ticket only valid at Volcano Madness machines only.” In oneembodiment, a partial redemption of a supplemental ticket may beauthorized if not all of the redemption condition(s) associated with thesupplemental ticket have been satisfied and/or if a redemption conditionhas not been completely satisfied. If a partial redemption isauthorized, an associated player may be provided with a differentbenefit and/or a benefit of an altered (e.g., reduced) value in lieu ofthe benefit the player would have been provided if a full redemption hadbeen authorized. In such a partial redemption embodiment, the followingmessage may be output to a player: “Sorry, you do not qualify for thecash bonus of this bonus ticket. But you do qualify for a food bonusinstead!.”

In one embodiment, one or more instructions for how the supplementalticket may be appropriately redeemed may be output to a player. In oneembodiment, such an instruction may be output to a player upon theplayer attempting to inappropriately redeem a supplemental ticket andfailing. For example, a casino floor map may then be output to player(e.g., a drawing is output via a display screen or ticket-in/ticket-outdevice), indicating the location of one or more qualifying devices ifthe redemption condition that was not satisfied is a redemptioncondition specifying one or more qualifying devices. In anotherembodiment, such an instruction may be output at a time a cash-outticket and/or a supplemental ticket is output to a player. For example,a cash-out ticket may comprises a map (e.g., a layout of the casinofloor indicating one or more qualifying devices is printed on the backof a ticket).

In one embodiment, step 825 may include a step of returning thesupplemental ticket to the player and/or storing an indication of theattempted redemption of the supplemental ticket (or causing anotherdevice to store such an indication).

If it is determined, in step 820, that the redemption condition(s)associated with the received supplemental ticket have been satisfied,the process 800 continues to step 830. In step 830 a parameter ismodified in accordance with the benefit associated with the supplementalticket. This step presupposes an embodiment in which a benefitassociated with a supplemental ticket comprises altering or modifying aparameter associated with at least one of a gaming device,. a player,and a cash-out receipt along with which the supplemental ticket isredeemed. Other methods of providing a benefit associated with asupplemental ticket are within the scope of the present invention.

As described herein, a gaming device receiving a supplemental ticketalong with at least one other ticket may, in accordance with a benefitassociated with the supplemental ticket, modify a parameter.Modification of a parameter may comprise alteration, modification,change, initiation, activation and/or downloading of a parameter and/orvalue associated with the parameter. Information regarding theparameter(s) to be modified may be communicable to (i) a supplementalticket bearer (e.g., text indicates “Insert this supplemental ticket toactivate Double Jackpot Mode”), and (ii) a gaming device (e.g., whichscans a bar code to determine a supplemental ticket type identifier,then accesses supplemental ticket data associated with the identifier).It should be noted that, in one embodiment, all of the informationnecessary to determine which parameter to alter and how to alter it maybe included on the supplemental ticket in machine-readable form, suchthat a gaming device may receive all necessary instructions for alteringthe parameter directly from the supplemental ticket, without need tocommunicate with another device and/or access a database.

As described herein, a parameter that may be modified in accordance witha benefit defined by a supplemental ticket may comprise a parameterassociated with a gaming device, a player, and/or a cash-out receipt. Inone embodiment, a benefit may be associated with an instruction (e.g.,code recognizable by a processor of a device) for modifying theparameter. In one embodiment, such an instruction may be programmed intoa gaming device or another device operable to communicate with thegaming device, such that upon receiving a supplemental ticket anddetermining the benefit defined by the supplemental ticket, a processormay access the instruction associated with the benefit in memory andexecute the instruction. In another embodiment, the instruction may beincluded on the supplemental ticket and thus received upon the receiptof the supplemental ticket. In one embodiment, a gaming device mayreceive a supplemental ticket, determine an identifier of thesupplemental ticket and communicate the identifier to another device(e.g., a controller). Upon receiving the identifier, the other devicemay determine the benefit and/or instruction associated with theidentifier. The other device may then (i) transmit the instruction tothe gaming device, (ii) direct the gaming device to modify the parameterin accordance with the instruction, and/or (iii) modify directly theparameter in accordance with the instruction.

For example, a parameter may comprise a balance of credits available forwagering. A balance of credits available for wagering may be associatedwith a gaming device, player and/or a cash-out ticket. For example, acash-out ticket with a face value of $45 may enable a player toestablish a balance of forty-five (45) credits at a dollar denominationgaming device and may thus be characterized as a cash-out ticketassociated with a balance of forty-five (45) credits. The initialbalance of forty-five (45) credits associated with the cash-out ticketmay be characterized as a parameter that may be altered. The initialvalue of the parameter is the forty-five (45) credits. A supplementalticket may then define a benefit and an instruction to alter such aparameter. For example, a supplemental ticket may be associated with abenefit of additional credits that may be used to wager at a gamingdevice, with a value of the benefit being five (5) credits. Thesupplemental ticket may also define an instruction for modifying aparameter, the instruction instructing a receiving device to add five(5) credits to a balance of credits available for wagering (e.g., abalance of credits associated with a cash-out receipt, a balance ofcredits associated with a gaming device, and/or a balance of creditsassociated with a player). Such a supplemental ticket may have read, forexample, “Insert this supplemental ticket into a gaming device beforeinserting any cash-out ticket worth $50 or less, and receive fiveadditional bonus credits.”

In another example, a parameter may comprise a parameter of game play ora game session (e.g., a payout parameter, resource parameter,probability parameter, loss parameter). For example, a player mayestablish a balance of forty (40) credits at a gaming device. A gameplay parameter (e.g., a probability parameter, such as the likelihood ofreceiving a particular outcome) may then be adjusted as describedfurther herein.

As described above, many different categories of parameters that may bemodified are within the scope of the present invention. How a parameteris modified may be based on the category of parameter being modified.Described below are some exemplary processes for modifying somerespective example parameters.

As described above, one category of parameter is a credit balanceparameter. Modifying a balance parameter may comprise, for example, oneor more of the following: (i) adding x credits to a credit meter balanceof a gaming device (such credits may be cashable or non-cashable); (ii)increasing a credit amount indicated by a cash-out ticket by x %; (iii)multiplying a credit amount indicated by a cash-out ticket by x %; (iv)multiplying a credit amount indicated by a cash-out ticket by a randomlydetermined number; (v) either multiplying or dividing a credit amountindicated by a cash-out ticket by a specified factor.

Regarding example (i) of how a balance parameter may be modified, itshould be noted that a supplemental ticket that indicates this benefit(having x credits added to a credit meter balance) defines a benefit ofa specified value, wherein the value may be determined and communicatedat the time of issuance of the supplemental ticket.

Examples (ii) and (iii), on the other hand, are examples of supplementaltickets that may define a benefit a value of which is not determinedand/or determinable until the supplemental ticket is redeemed. Forexample, in both example (ii) and (iii), the value of the benefit isdependent on the value of the cash-out ticket along with which thesupplemental ticket is redeemed. Of course, in one embodiment asupplemental ticket may be associated with a specific cash-out ticket atthe time of issuance of the supplemental ticket. Thus, the value of thespecific associated cash-out ticket may be known at the time of issuanceof the supplemental ticket. Therefore, the value of the benefit definedby the supplemental ticket may be determined and/or determinable at thetime of issuance of the supplemental ticket.

Regarding example (iv) of how a balance parameter may be modified, anexample supplemental ticket that may cause such a modification of abalance parameter may read: “1) Insert this bonus ticket, 2) Insert anycash ticket, 3) Cash ticket amount is multiplied by a MysteryMultiplier!”

Regarding example (v) of how a balance parameter may be modified, anexample supplemental ticket that may cause such a modification may read:“Double or Whammy Ticket—1) Insert this bonus ticket, 2) Insert any cashticket, 3) Get either double or half of the cash ticket's value!” Itshould be noted that, as exemplified by this example, in one or moreembodiments a supplemental ticket may provide an opportunity or chanceto obtain something of value (even if the supplemental ticket isredeemed successfully), rather than guaranteeing it.

As described above, one category of parameter is payout parameters.Modifying a payout parameter may comprise, for example, one or more ofthe following: (i) increasing (e.g., by multiplying) a payout amountassociated with one or more particular winning outcomes by x (whereinthe magnitude of x may or may not be known or communicated at the timeof issuance of the supplemental ticket); (ii) increasing a payout amountassociated with one or more particular losing outcomes (e.g., “Somelosers pay like winners!”); (iii) provide an alternate payout inaddition to a standard credit payout—for example, a winning outcomespays (i) a credit amount according to a payable, and (ii) a bonusmerchandise credit (e.g., “Earn buffet credits with every win!”); (iv)providing an alternate payout in lieu of a standard payout (e g., “Earnhotel credits instead of cash!”); (iv) multiply a payout amount by arandom number (e.g., “All payouts qualify for the Mystery Multiplier!”);and (v) accessing, downloading and/or otherwise utilizing an alternatepayout table that has payouts different from those of a default payouttable.

As described above, one category of parameter is resource parameters.Modifying a resource parameter may comprise, for example, providing,activating, downloading, accessing, utilizing, increasing and/ormultiplying a number of one or more of the following: (i) outcomealteration resources—for example, an animated Guardian Angel characterthat changes losing outcomes into winning outcomes (e.g., after a playerpresses a “Guardian Angel” button, “7-7-Plum” is changed to “7-7-7”);(ii) start-bonus resources (e.g., a “bonus pass” enabling a player toaccess a bonus round at a desired time); (iii) collected reel symbols(e.g., a player collects cherries that may be substituted for othersymbols on a payline); (iv) free spins and/or game plays; and (v) wildcards in video poker.

As described above, one category of parameters is probabilityparameters. Modifying a probability parameter may comprise, for example,one or more of the following: (i) increasing the likelihood of a bonusevent—for example, by adding one or more start-bonus symbols to thereels; (ii) increasing the likelihood of achieving one or moreparticular outcomes; (iii) increase the likelihood that one or moresymbols may appear on a payline (e.g., by adding one or more paylines);and (iv) accessing, downloading or otherwise utilizing an alternateprobability table.

As described above, one category of parameters is loss parameters.Modifying a loss parameter may comprise, for example, one or more of thefollowing: (i) reimbursing a player for x % of an incurred loss,whereiri a loss amount may be determined by subtracting a cashout amountfrom a buy-in amount; (ii) reimbursing a player for x % of an incurredloss, wherein a loss amount may be determined by subtracting a payoutamount from a wager amount; (iii) reimbursing a player for x % of anincurred loss greater than y credits, wherein a loss amount may bedetermined by subtracting a cashout amount from a buy-in amount; (iv)reimbursing a player for x % of an incurred loss greater than y credits,wherein a loss amount may be determined by subtracting a payout amountfrom a wager amount; (v) providing a player with a number of free gameplays, the number being determined based on an amount of credits wageredand lost by the player; and (vi) subtracting, during game play, lessthan a full wager amount from a credit meter balance upon a playerobtaining a winning outcome that does not correspond to a payout greaterthan zero.

It should be noted that any and all of the modifications to parametersdescribed above may be applied to, for example, to game plays conductedduring a defined period of time. The period of time may be defined tostart, for example, (i) upon insertion of a supplemental ticket, (ii)insertion of a cash-out ticket, (iii) initiation of a game play afterinsertion of a supplemental ticket/and or a cash-out ticket, (iv)insertion of a player tracking card, and/or (v) another predeterminedevent. Examples of another predetermined event include, for example,obtainment by a player (after insertion of a supplemental ticket and/ora cash-out ticket), an outcome that corresponds to (i) a payout of zero,(ii) a payout of an amount other than zero, (iii) a payout greater thana predetermined amount that is greater than zero, (iv) one or moreparticular symbols or other game indicia. The period of time may bedefined to end upon the occurrence of one or more predetermined events.Examples of such events include, but are not limited to, (i) anoccurrence of a time that is a predefined period of time after aninitiation of a play session; (ii) an occurrence of a predeterminednumber of outcomes from an initiation of a play session; (iii) anoccurrence of an outcome having a specified characteristic (e.g., theoutcome corresponds to a payout of at least a specified magnitude, theoutcome enters the player into a bonus round, etc.); (iv) a removal of aplayer tracking card; (v) one or more specified decisions or actions bya player during game play; and (vi) a request by the player to cash-outa credit meter balance. Such a period of time during which a parametermay be modified may be specified on the supplemental ticket that definesa benefit which causes the modification of the parameter.

In some embodiments, process 800 may include additional steps, such asmonitoring events associated with game play to determine whether amodification of a parameter is to be ended. For example, a gaming deviceand/or controller may, after step 830, monitor activity at the gamingdevice to determine whether the end event(s) 840 (table 600 of FIG. 6B)corresponding to the supplemental ticket in accordance with which theparameter was initially modified has been satisfied.

It should be understood that although embodiments of the presentinvention have been described with respect to FIGS. 4 through 8 asinvolving wagering instruments such as a supplemental ticket and acash-out ticket, the embodiments may be modified to instead involveother indicia associated with play of a gaming device, such as codes,smart cards and/or player tracking cards. For example, in one or moreembodiments, tables 600 and 700 may store information regarding codetypes and codes, respectively, that may be output to a player withoutnecessarily being printed on a ticket or other substrate. For example,in one embodiment a code may be output to a player by being displayed toa player via a display area of a gaming device. Such a code maycorrespond to a particular benefit to be provided to a player upon theplayer entering the code along with a cash-out ticket or along with theplayer establishing a credit balance at a gaming device via anothermeans. In one or more embodiments such a code may be associated with aplayer identifier (e.g., of a player tracking account, such as may bestored on a player tracking card), such that the code may be retrievedand the benefit associated therewith applied if appropriate upon theplayer providing the player identifier to a gaming device.

Provided below are two examples of implementations of embodimentsdescribed herein. The examples are described from a player'sperspective, to highlight how embodiments of the present invention mayencourage a player to insert a cash-out ticket into a gaming device forgame play rather than redeeming the cash-out ticket for cash.

EXAMPLE 1

Alice is spending the day at Coupon City Casino playing slot machinesand blackjack. Having spent the morning playing slots, she decides tocash out her balance of 55 credits and head to the blackjack tables fora change of pace.

Alice presses the button labeled “Cash Out,” and the machine prints acash-out ticket with a face value of $55. After the cash-out ticket isprinted, the machine also prints a supplemental ticket of substantiallythe same size and shape as the receipt. The supplemental ticket reads,“Insert this Bonus Ticket before your Cash-Out Ticket, and get doublejackpot payouts for as long as you play!”

Alice plays blackjack for most of the afternoon, and will soon be readyto leave the casino. Remembering her supplemental ticket, she decidesthat before she takes her cash-out ticket to the redemption kiosk, she'sgoing to take some spins toward the double jackpot. Glancing at thepayout table of a particular slot machine, Alice thinks, This is great.With my coupon, if I hit the jackpot, I get 10,000 coins instead of5,000. She approaches the machine and inserts her supplemental ticket.The slot machine's display screen then prompts Alice, “Please insertyour Cash-Out Ticket to start spinning for the Double Jackpot!” Alicedoes as instructed.

Alice takes a number of spins, feeling the excitement brought on by theincreased chance of winning a large payout. On one spin, Alice nearlyhits the jackpot. She soon decides to cash out and head home, havingexperienced a good share of thrills. Coupon City Casino benefits fromthe spins Alice took that she otherwise wouldn't have.

EXAMPLE 2

On his way to grab lunch at the casino buffet, Harold's attention issuddenly drawn to a particular unoccupied slot machine. On thisparticular Volcano Madness slot machine, the display screen and audiospeakers declare: “Bonus Ticket Eruption! Take a free Bonus Ticket now!”As various buzzers sound and lights flash, the machine prints asupplemental ticket.

Harold, curiosity piqued, grabs the supplemental ticket for himself. Itreads: “Insert this Bonus Ticket along with any Cash-Out Ticket markedby a Bonus Star into a Volcano Madness machine, and get five free bonusspins!” Harold rifles through his cash-out tickets and notices oneparticular cash-out ticket bears the Bonus Star insignia. It is acash-out ticket worth $107.

After eating lunch, Harold is eager to seek out a Volcano Madnessmachine and does so. He inserts his supplemental ticket, reads theinstructions and then inserts his $107 cash-out ticket. The credit meterof the machine then displays his 107 cashable credits. Another creditmeter of the machine displays his five bonus credits, which arenon-cashable (they have no cash redemption value).

Harold spins though his five bonus credits first. On his fifth bonusspin, Harold gets a payout of fifteen (15) credits. Harold is ecstatic.He thinks: This is found money—I'm going to go for a huge payout now!The more Harold plays the Volcano Madness game, the more he enjoys it.It quickly becomes his new favorite slot machine game. He continues togamble for nearly an hour, ultimately cashing out at ninety-five (95)credits.

Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is an example of a priorart cash-out ticket 900 that may be used in some embodiments of thepresent invention. The cash-out ticket 900 includes information 905 thatis encoded in bar code form, such that it may readily be recognized by agaming device. Such information may include, for example, a uniqueidentifier of the cash-out ticket that may be useful in accessing datain a database. Such data may indicate, for example, (i) a value of thecash-out ticket (e.g., an amount of currency and/or credits that thecash-out ticket is redeemable for); (ii) a time at which the cash-outticket was output; (iii) a gaming device identifier of a gaming deviceat which the cash-out ticket was output; (iv) an identifier of one ormore supplemental tickets and/or supplemental ticket types along withwhich the cash-out ticket is redeemable, (v) one or more redemptionconditions associated with the cash-out ticket (e.g., an expirationdate) and/or (vi) a player identifier of a player associated with theticket. In some embodiments, some or all of this data may be encoded inthe bar code 905.

The cash-out ticket 900 further includes a ticket identifier 910 inhuman-readable form. It should be understood that this ticket identifiermay be a duplicate of at least some of the information encoded in barcode 905.

The cash-out ticket further includes an indication 915 of a face valueof the ticket. In other words, the cash-out ticket includes anindication of an amount of currency that the cash-out ticket may beexchanged for, which may also be an indication of a value of credits forwagering at a gaming device that the cash-out ticket may be exchangedfor.

Referring now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein are four examplesupplemental tickets 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D, consistent withsome embodiments of the present invention. Each supplemental ticket1000A-1000D includes a respective bar code 1000A-1000D that encodesinformation in machine-readable form. Such information may include, forexample, (i) a unique identifier of the supplemental ticket, (ii) anidentifier of a type of the supplemental ticket, (iii) an indication ofa benefit defined by the supplemental ticket, (iv) an indication of aninstruction for modifying a parameter in accordance with the benefit,(v) an indication of one or more redemption conditions associated withthe supplemental ticket, (vi) an expiration date associated with thesupplemental ticket, (viii) an indication of one or more cash-outtickets that are associated with the supplemental ticket, and/or (ix) anindication of one or more players associated with the supplementalticket.

In one embodiment, the bar code simply encodes an identifier that is apointer to a record of a database that stores at least some of theinformation listed in items (i) through (ix). In another embodiment, thebar code directly encodes at least some of the information listed initems (i) through (ix).

Each supplemental ticket 1000A-1000D further includes a respectiveidentifier 1015A-1015D, in human-readable form, that may be a uniqueidentifier of the supplemental ticket or an identifier of a type of thesupplemental ticket.

Each supplemental ticket 1000A-1000D further includes a respectiveindication 1020A-1020D, in human-readable form, of the benefitassociated with the supplemental ticket. In other words, areas1020A-1020D respectively describe the benefit a player will realize uponsuccessfully redeeming the corresponding supplemental ticket. Forexample, supplemental ticket 1000A includes an indication 1020A thatdescribes to a player that the player will receive a benefit of “5 bonusspins” upon successfully redeeming the supplemental ticket. Supplementalticket 1000B, on the other hand, includes an indication 1020B thatdescribes to a player that the player will receive a benefit of a 10%increase in payouts upon successfully redeeming the supplemental ticket.Supplemental ticket 1000C includes an indication 1020C that describes toa player that the player will receive a benefit of a doubled jackpot(should the player actually win the jackpot) upon successfully redeemingthe supplemental ticket. Supplemental ticket 1200D includes anindication 1020D that describes to a player that the player will receivea benefit of one (1) free guardian angel resource upon successfullyredeeming the supplemental ticket.

Each supplemental ticket 1000A-1000D further includes a respectiveindication 1005A-1005D that describes, in human-readable form, anyredemption conditions associated with the supplemental ticket and/orfurther clarifies the bonus to be provided upon successful redemption ofthe supplemental ticket. For example, supplemental ticket 1000A includesan indication 1005A, which describes to a player that, in order tosuccessfully redeem the supplemental ticket, the player must insert thesupplemental ticket “before any cash-out ticket.” Indication 1005Afurther indicates that the benefit is five additional bonus spins.Supplemental ticket 1000B, on the other hand, includes an indication1005B, which describes to a player that, in order to successfully redeemthe supplemental ticket, (i) the player must insert the supplementalticket before a cash-out ticket and (ii) that the cash-out ticket cannothave a value of more than $50.00. Indication 1005B further clarifiesthat the 10% increase in payouts won by the player will only be appliedto the first twenty (2) game plays conducted after the insertion of thesupplemental ticket.

It should be understood that the embodiments described above are notmeant to be limiting in any sense, and various modifications of thedescribed embodiments and additional embodiments are within the scope ofthe present invention. Some example modified and additional embodimentswill now be described. Also provided below is additional descriptionand/or clarification of already described embodiments.

In some embodiments, a first cash-out ticket may be received along witha second cash-out ticket, and a parameter may be altered based on thereceipt of the two cash-out ticket (e.g., rather than requiring areceipt of a supplemental ticket. In other words, in one embodiment acash-out ticket may function as a supplemental ticket, as that term isdescribed herein. For example, a player may be provided with a firstcash-out ticket having a face value of $4 and a second cash-out tickethaving a face value of $150. The first cash-out ticket may indicate,“Insert this Cash-Out Ticket along with any other Cash-Out Ticket worth$50 or more, and get a free Bonus Round Pass every 20 minutes, as longas you play!” A player inserting both cash-out tickets into a gamingdevice may then be provided with (i) a balance of $154 credits, and (ii)an altered parameter (e.g., a start-bonus parameter as described). Thus,the first cash-out ticket (which may function as a supplemental ticketas well as a cash-out ticket) may comprise, for example, (i) a cash-outticket identifier such that the face value may be redeemed, and (ii) asupplemental ticket type identifier such that a parameter may be alteredbased on the receipt of the cash-out ticket along with at least oneother ticket. In this manner, a gaming device may output a firstcash-out ticket that encourages a player to recycle both the firstcash-out ticket and a second cash-out ticket.

Rules for outputting cash-out tickets and/or supplemental tickets mayconsider player data. For example, a rule for outputting a cash outticket (e.g., a cash-out ticket that also functions as a supplementalticket) may specify the following: if a player database indicates aplayer has received a cash-out ticket worth $50 or more today, provide asupplemental ticket or a cash-out ticket that also functions as asupplemental ticket the next time the player cashes out.

In some embodiments, a first supplemental ticket and second supplementalticket may be used in conjunction, such that a player does not need acash-out ticket in order to receive a benefit defined by one of thesupplemental tickets. In other words, as described above, in oneembodiment the at least one other ticket that may be received along witha supplemental ticket may itself comprise a supplemental ticket. Forexample, a player may be provided with two supplemental tickets, eachcomprising a supplemental ticket type identifier, such that when bothare inserted into a gaming device, a parameter may be altered (e.g.,payout parameter). The two supplemental tickets may comprise similarindicia such that the indicia indicate an association among the twosupplemental tickets.

For example, in an embodiment evoking a scavenger hunt theme, gamingdevices may be configured to randomly output a variety of supplementalticket types throughout the day. Each supplemental ticket type maycomprise an associated indicia (e.g., a first supplemental ticket typebears one-half of a star indicia, a second supplemental ticket typebears one-half of a casino chip indicia). Players may thus be requiredto find supplemental tickets with “matching” indicia—once two or more ofthese supplemental tickets are found by a player, the player may insertthem into a gaming device to obtain a benefit defined by one or acombination of the supplemental tickets (e.g., two half-stars create a“fall star bonus”, which bonus comprises a doubling of a top jackpot).

In another embodiment, a parameter associated with a cash-out ticket maynot be altered unless the cash-out ticket is received in conjunctionwith both a first and second supplemental ticket (i.e., two or moresupplemental tickets may be required to be input along with a cash-outticket in order to obtain a benefit defined by one or more of the two ormore supplemental tickets). In such an embodiment, one or more of thesupplemental tickets may read, for example: “1) Insert two Half-StarBonus Tickets, (2) Insert any Cash-Out Ticket, 3) Get 3 Free WildCards!”).

In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may be associated with two ormore benefits (e.g., an alteration of two or more parameters). Forexample, a supplemental ticket may read: “Get two bonus spins and 5%higher payouts!”

As stated, the process steps described herein may be performed in avariety of orders. For example, a gaming device may (i) output asupplemental ticket, (ii) output a cash-out ticket, (iii) receive acash-out ticket, (iv) receive a supplemental ticket, and (v) alter aparameter. In another example, a gaming device may (i) output a cash-outticket, (ii) receive a cash-out ticket, (iii) output a supplementalticket, (iv) receive the supplemental ticket, and (v) alter a parameter.

In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may be output or provided bya device or entity other than a gaming device. For example, one or morekiosks of a slot floor may be configured to output supplemental ticket.In another embodiment, supplemental ticket may be handed out by casinorepresentatives and/or mailed to casino patrons.

In one embodiment wherein a supplemental ticket is output by a devicesuch as a slot machine or kiosk, one or more additional output devicesmay be actuated upon the output of the supplemental ticket. For example,in accordance with supplemental ticket output rules data, a slot machinemay output a supplemental ticket after being idle for five minutes. Anaudio/video sequence may accompany the output of the supplemental ticketso as to draw the attention of nearby players. For example, audiospeakers may sound an alarm while a display screen flashes, “BonusTicket Time!” Such activity may increase the excitement experienced bypatrons of a casino.

In another embodiment, a lottery agent provides a lottery ticket whichmay also be used as a supplemental ticket. For example, a lottery ticketmay indicate, “Not a winner? Take to Coupon City Casino to get DoubleJackpots with any Cash-Out Ticket!”

As described herein, in some embodiments, the step of altering aparameter may comprise a random component. For example, a supplementalticket may indicate, “Insert this Bonus Ticket along with any CashTicket to get a Mystery Credit Bonus”—thus, a player inserting thesupplemental ticket along with a cash-out ticket may be entitled to anumber of bonus spins, the exact number being determined by a randomnumber generator. An animation or audio/video sequence may accompany thedetermination of the random number (e.g., a “Credit Bonus Wheel” spinsand stops on a section entitling the player to “3 Free Spins”).

In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may alter or enable analternate payout value associated with a cash-out ticket. For example, asupplemental ticket may indicate, “Present this supplemental ticketalong with any Cash-Out Ticket worth $20 or less at the Skyview Buffet,and get double the Cash-Out Ticket's value in buffet credit!”

In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may include an instructionfor modifying a parameter, and a gaming device may modify the parameterin accordance with the instruction, without receiving a cash-out ticket.For example, if a supplemental ticket indicates “Insert this BonusTicket to get a free Guardian Angel!”, a player may insert thesupplemental ticket into a gaming device and receive the resource (i.e.,no accompanying cash-out ticket or supplemental ticket is required).

In some embodiments, activity of a player may be tracked throughout aspecified period of time, such that a value of a benefit associated witha supplemental ticket may be determined based on the activity of theplayer. Such an embodiment would enable, for example, a “Day-LongSupplemental Ticket” entitling the bearer to “50% of your losses todayrebated as Food Credit!” A food credit may comprise, for example, creditredeemable for food at a casino buffet and/or high-end casinorestaurant. A wager amount and payout amount may be tracked for eachgame play the player participated in throughout the day, such that, forexample, a total loss amount may be recorded in association with aplayer identifier of a player database. For example, a player may beidentified by a player tracking card. In other embodiments, a player maybe identified by inserting a cash-out ticket, entering an identificationcode via a slot machine input device, biometric means, and the like.

As described, in some embodiments, rules for outputting a supplementalticket may consider player data. For example, a long-time casino patronor a player who engaged in a particular activity or behavior may beprovided with a more valuable supplemental ticket than a patron who onlyrecently registered for a player tracking card or a player who did notengage in the particular activity or behavior. A more valuablesupplemental ticket may be considered to be a supplemental ticketdefining a benefit that is considered to be more beneficial to a playeror a benefit associated with a higher value (e.g., a higher monetaryvalue).

In one embodiment, a gaming device comprises (i) a supplemental ticketinput/output device, and (ii) a cash-out ticket input/output device.Thus, supplemental tickets and cash-out tickets may be output andreceived by different devices (i.e., one “slot” is for supplementaltickets, another for cash-out tickets).

In some embodiments, a supplemental ticket may be reusable. For example,a first gaming device may (i) receive a supplemental ticket, (ii)receive a first cash-out ticket, (iii) alter a parameter as indicated byan instruction associated with the supplemental ticket, and (iv) outputthe same supplemental ticket or another supplemental ticket that allowsthe player to again realize the benefit of the supplemental ticket thathad initially been received by the gaming device. A player may then takethe supplemental ticket output by the first gaming device to secondgaming device, which may (i) receive the supplemental ticket, (ii)receive a second cash-out ticket, (iii) alter a parameter as indicatedby an instruction associated with the supplemental ticket, etc.

In one embodiment, a benefit defined by a supplemental ticket maycomprise an extension of an expiration date associated with a cash-outticket. For example, a supplemental ticket may be used to “unexpire” acash-out ticket that has not been redeemed before an indicatedexpiration date, or used to extend an expiration date of anot-yet-expired cash-out ticket.

In one embodiment, a supplemental ticket may be used in lieu of a playertracking card to provide player data. For example, after a playercompletes a game session, a gaming device may output (i) a cash-outticket, and (ii) a supplemental ticket indicating a player identifier(e.g., a bar code that points to information on wager amounts, payoutamounts, and other behavior stored in a player database). The player maythen insert the supplemental ticket before initiating a game play on agaming device, such that the gaming device may determine a playeridentifier as if the player has inserted a player tracking card.

In one embodiment, a supplemental ticket may be inserted during a playsession (as opposed to a beginning of a play session) and the benefitassociated with the supplemental ticket may be provided at the time ofinsertion or based on the time of insertion. For example, a supplementalticket may indicate, “Insert this bonus ticket while playing a gamingdevice for a free bonus round entry!” In one embodiment, a supplementalticket may provide a time extension for a game session associated withanother ticket. For example, if a player inserts a cash-out ticket intoa gaming device and purchases a 30-minute game session for $20, theplayer may insert the supplemental ticket at any time to add five freeminutes of playing time.

In one embodiment, a value of a benefit associated with a supplementalticket may decrease over time. For example, when inserted with acash-out ticket, a supplemental ticket may provide a benefit of fivebonus spins if redeemed during a first day, four bonus spins if redeemedduring a second day, etc. It should be noted that in one embodiment thesupplemental ticket may only be redeemable once, such that if the playerredeems the supplemental ticket during the first day and obtains thefive bonus spins, the supplemental ticket may not be redeemed during thesecond day for the four bonus spins. In another embodiment, asupplemental ticket may be redeemable multiple times. Thus, returning tothe above example as an illustration, if the player redeems thesupplemental ticket during the first day for the five bonus spins, theplayer may again redeem the supplemental ticket during the second dayfor the four bonus spins.

In some embodiments, a player may receive a “supplemental ticket card”(e.g., a plastic card resembling a credit card or player tracking card,comprising data encoded via a magnetic stripe). The supplemental ticketcard may then be used in conjunction with a cash-out ticket (or anotherwagering instrument or manner of establishing a balance of credits at agaming device) to alter a parameter. For example, instructionsassociated with a supplemental ticket card may read: “1) Insert thissupplemental ticket card, 2) insert any Cash-Out ticket, 3) get 5%higher payouts between 10 and 11 p.m.!”. In some embodiments, asupplemental ticket card comprises a player tracking card. In oneembodiment, as a player earns, purchases or is otherwise awardedsupplemental tickets (e.g., or codes having associated benefitstherewith), those supplemental ticket identifiers may be associated withthe supplemental ticket card for subsequent redemption by the player.

In another example, a player device rather than a supplemental ticketmay be used to indicate that a parameter (e.g., a parameter associatedwith a cash-out ticket) may be altered (e.g., a PDA sends an infraredsignal to a gaming device).

In some embodiments, a cash-out ticket and/or a supplemental ticket maycomprise a game piece. For example, a cash-out ticket may indicate:“Monopoly® Game Piece: Park Place. Collect Boardwalk to get $25,000!Mail-in instructions on back”. Thus, players may be motivated to collectand save cash-out tickets and/or supplemental tickets rather than redeemthem, resulting in profits for casinos.

1. A method, comprising: receiving a first indicia associated with playof a gaming device; receiving a second indicia associated with play ofthe gaming device; and modifying, based upon the receipt of both thefirst and second indicia, a parameter of play of the gaming device,wherein the parameter is only modified if both the first indicia and thesecond indicia are received.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstindicia is associated with a first value, the second indicia isassociated with a second value, and the modified parameter is associatedwith a third value, the third value being greater than the sum of thefirst value and the second value.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst indicia is a cash-out ticket that indicates an amount of creditavailable for use in playing the gaming device.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein the second indicia is a supplemental ticket that indicates amodification of the amount of credit indicated by the first indicia. 5.The method of claim 4, wherein the second indicia is associated with atleast one condition to be satisfied in order for the second indicia tobe redeemable.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least onecondition defines a characteristic of the first indicia, such that thesecond indicia is only redeemable along with a first indicia having thecharacteristic.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least onecharacteristic is at least one of a minimum value of the first indiciaand a maximum value of the first indicia.
 8. The method of claim 5,wherein the at least one condition identifies the first indicia, suchthat the second indicia is only redeemable along with the first indicia.9. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one condition identifiesa player identifier, such that the second indicia is only redeemablealong with the player identifier.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinreceiving the first indicia comprises receiving a paper via a paperhandling mechanism of the gaming device and wherein receiving the secondindicia comprises receiving a second paper via the paper handlingmechanism.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: outputting aprompt, the prompt indicating an inquiry regarding the second indicia.12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first indicia is a first codereadable by the gaming device.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein thesecond indicia is a second code readable by the gaming device.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, wherein modifying the parameter comprises activatinga feature of the gaming device that would not otherwise be active duringgame play.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the parametercomprises at least one of: accessing a payout table that would nototherwise be accessed; accessing a probability table that would nototherwise be accessed; modifying at least one payout of a payout table;modifying a probability of obtaining at least one outcome; modifying atleast one rule of game play; modifying a credit meter balance from anamount that would otherwise be available to a player; providing aresource that would not otherwise be available to a player.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, wherein modifying the parameter comprises:determining a value of the first indicia; and determining a modifiedvalue based on the second indicia; and adjusting a credit meter balanceof the gaming device based on the modified value.
 17. A method,comprising: receiving, via a first component associated with a gamingdevice, a primary wagering instrument; determining a validity and valueof the primary wagering instrument; receiving, via a second componentassociated with the gaming device, a supplemental wagering instrument,the supplemental wagering instrument indicating an instruction formodifying a value of the primary wagering instrument; determining amodified value of the primary wagering instrument based on theinstruction; and setting a credit meter balance of the gaming device toan amount based on the modified value.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising: determining a condition associated with thesupplemental wagering instrument; and determining, before determiningthe modified value, whether the condition is satisfied, wherein thecredit meter balance is set to an amount based on the modified valueonly if the condition is satisfied.
 19. The method of claim 17, whereinthe primary wagering instrument is at least one of a cash-out ticket, asupplemental ticket, a player tracking card, a financial accountidentifier and a smart card.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein thesupplemental wagering instrument is at least one of a paper ticket, aplayer tracking card, a financial account identifier and a smart card.21. The method of claim 17, wherein the first component is the secondcomponent.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein determining a modifiedvalue comprises: storing the value of the primary wagering instrument inmemory; determining, based on the instruction, an amount by which thevalue is to be increased; and determining the modified value by addingthe amount to the stored value.
 23. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining an identifier of the supplemental wageringinstrument; transmitting the identifier to another device; and receivingthe instruction from the other device, the instruction having beendetermined based on the identifier.
 24. A method, comprising: receiving,at a first gaming device, a request to cash out a credit meter balanceof the gaming device; outputting, in response to the request, a primarywagering instrument having a value based on a current value of thecredit meter balance; outputting, at the gaming device, a supplementalwagering instrument, the supplemental wagering instrument including aninstruction for modifying a parameter of at least one of a second gamingdevice and the primary wagering instrument, wherein the supplementalwagering instrument is redeemable only along with the primary wageringinstrument.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first gaming deviceis the second gaming device.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein theprimary wagering instrument is a cash-out ticket printed via a printerdevice associated with the gaming device, the cash out ticket beingexchangeable for cash and credits on at least the first gaming deviceand the second gaming device.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein thesupplemental wagering instrument is a supplemental ticket printed via aprinter device associated with the gaming device, the ticket indicatinga benefit to be provided upon redemption of the ticket at the time ofredemption of the cash-out ticket.
 28. The method of claim 27, whereinthe supplemental ticket does not have any intrinsic value, such that thesupplemental ticket has value only if redeemed along with the cash-outticket.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the supplemental ticket hasa first value if redeemed without the cash-out ticket and a second valueif redeemed along with the cash-out ticket, the first value being lessthan the second value.
 30. A system, comprising: a controller operableto communicate with a plurality of devices, at least one of theplurality of devices comprising a gaming device; and the plurality ofdevices, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is operable tooutput a supplemental ticket, the supplemental ticket defining a benefitto be provided upon the redemption of the ticket along with at least oneother ticket, and wherein the benefit comprises a modification of aparameter associated with at least one of the gaming device, thesupplemental ticket and a player.
 31. The system of claim 30, whereinredemption of the supplemental ticket along with at least one otherticket comprises insertion of the supplemental ticket into a gamingdevice and insertion of the at least one other ticket into the gamingdevice.
 32. The system of claim 30, wherein the at least one otherticket comprises one of a cash-out ticket redeemable for at least one ofcash and credits at a gaming device; and another supplemental ticket.